If there is a common theme in both readings today, it is that of relationship. In the first reading, we read about the relationship between friends. A contrast is made between false and true friends. Experience shows that a friend is one who is true to his or her word, selfless, and is present particularly in times of need. How do we find such friends? By fearing the Lord internally and behaving in the right manner externally. It means that true friendship cannot take place without us having a relationship with God.

In the Gospel passage, Mark highlights the important issue of the fidelity of spouses in the marriage relationship. He passes on the tradition of Jesus' teaching and attitude towards marriage and divorce. At the centre of Jesus' message is the challenge to spouses to live in perpetual and faithful union until death as it was not permissible "to separate what God has joined together." At the same time, recognising the reality that spouses can also no longer love one another as husband and wife, this early Gospel also allows for separation, without remarriage.

The readings remind us that at the core of all relationship whether between friends or between spouses, even when they choose to separate or divorce is one's relationship with God. He is the ever present constant in all our lives, and in all our relationships, even broken ones. We are called to trust in His ways as we pray with the psalmist, "Guide me in the path of your commands, for there is my delight."