Holy Martyrs Zenobius and Zenobia His Sister (284-305). Passing into eternal life of Blessed Priest-martyr Olesky Zarytsky (1963), Pastor of Strutyn near Zolochiv, and Siberia, Martyr.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. Luke 11:42-46.
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
St. Paul encourages Christians to live in a that pleases God, especially in their relationships. He calls Christians to be holy, to avoid impurity, and to respect each other and underscoring the sacredness of marriage as an expression of God’s will. In contrast, our experience in Western secular society often lacks respect for the sanctity of marriage, treating it as a mere social arrangement rather than a divine gift and covenant. This shift has weakened in marriage in society. It has devalued the commitment and self-sacrifice that are essential to marriage, replacing them with ideas of personal fulfilment and convenience. The result is break down of families, impacting not only couples but also children and communities.
St. Paul’s teaching emphasizes that marriage is not only about personal happiness, but about holiness, mutual respect, and honour. A marriage rooted in these values reflects God’s love and serves as a foundation for a thriving family and society. In Canadian culture today, where individualism often outweighs communal responsibility, marriage is seen more as an option rather than a calling and commitment, and this has lead us to high divorce rates and a breakdown in family structures.
This passage invites us to reflect on marriage as a holy Sacrament—as a lifelong journey toward the Kingdom where both spouses are united and supported by God. St. John Chrysostom says, “Marriage does not destroy virtue, but rather supports it, for the wife and husband are to help each other towards the kingdom of heaven.” (Homilies on First Thessalonians). When marriage is viewed through this lens, it is transformed from a personal agreement into a sacred duty and a source of grace and strength, not only for the couple, but for their children and society as a whole.