Marg Gobius, Leader of School Evangelisation at MacKillop College, reads today from the Gospel of Matthew (5:27-32) in which Jesus highlights the importance of the sanctity of Marriage. Afterwards, Marg shares a little about St Anthony of Padua, whose memorial we celebrate today.

Marg says Jesus often challenges us to examine our innermost thoughts and intentions, urging us towards purity of heart and actions. In his exploration of adultery and marriage, he invites his disciples and us to not just focus on the laws for the sake of laws, but to look deeper into the understanding of moral integrity.

Jesus emphasises the seriousness of the sin of adultery, by using strong language and extreme metaphor. He uses in relation to what causes us to sin, highlighting the importance of avoiding temptation and guarding one’s heart against impure thoughts and desires. So, the challenge for every Christian is to make an intentional effort to choose not to look at or do anything that leads them to cause any damage to the sacred covenant of their own marriage or the marriage of someone else.

While St. Anthony of Padua, was best known as the “Patron Saint of Lost Things”, he was also known for his intercession in matters of love and marriage. He held a strong view on the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing its divine nature and permanence. His teaching highlights the fact that Jesus, in this Gospel, focused on the importance of marriage as a lifelong bond, a covenant between a man and a woman, and a reflection of God’s love. He also emphasized the role of faith and love in a successful marriage, advocating for respect, patience, and mutual surrender.

So today Marg invites us to ask St Anthony, on his feast day, to pray for each of us, that we see the beauty in respecting and cherishing one another, embracing love with purity of heart and mind.

We pray that the Holy Spirit grants us the strength to cultivate wholesome thoughts and actions, nurturing relationships grounded in mutual respect and reverence for the sacredness of every soul. Amen.