James 5:9-12 / Mark 10:1-12
A complaint is a verbal or a written statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
Whether the complaint is valid or not, the fact is that one party is not happy with another party about an issue or some matter.
A complaint can range from anything between unpleasant to disparaging, and it can be factual or questionable.
The 1st reading highlights this problem of complaints among the members of the Christian community.
It warns against judging others, and it also gave the example of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord with patience and endurance.
But if there are complaints, it may indicate a lack of compassion and also forgiveness. It may also indicate a lack of love because where there is love, there will be forgiveness and compassion.
In the gospel, the Pharisees brought up the issue of divorce. Divorce happens when a marriage breaks down with no possibility of reconciliation.
But instead of arguing about the validity of divorce, Jesus brought the discussion to God's plan and purpose for mankind and more so for marriage.
God wants His people to be united in love and to forgive when there are failings and shortcomings.
When we endure with patience the failures and shortcomings of others, then we will understand the Lord's purpose and come to experience His kindness and compassion. Then we will overcome the urge to complain.