Walking with Jesus: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, October 6, 2024

Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 2:9-11, Mark 10:2-16

There are all sorts of problems in the world. We know this — we grieve and pray for those who are hurting. And consciously or unconsciously we make our decisions based on cultures, nationalities, religion, politics or just animosity for what we’ve heard or situations we’ve encountered. Could we say we are prejudiced? I would say I am. I imagine some would say I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body — but that would be a difficult statement even for a saint. What is God’s position on creation, today’s world and its horrid condition, coupled with its admirable giving, caring and compassion? We are witnesses to it: God tells us today!

So many weddings I’ve witnessed down through the years have used today’s readings. Some observations: In the first creation story (Genesis 1:31; 2:1-4), God creates male and female human beings together (Genesis 1:26-27). In the second story of creation (today’s first reading), God creates a single human creature who needs an ezer (Hebrew word) which often has been translated as “helper” but, scholars tell us, should more accurately be “partner” since the latter does not imply subjection, inferiority, subordination or dependence. The animals are not humanity’s equal and thus are not suitable partners for the human. The woman was taken from the side of man but he played no part in her creation, nor did he even witness it. There is an interesting ancient creation myth of the goddess Ninti, whose Sumerian title “woman of life” has the same root as “woman of the rib.” In reality the woman of the rib is the woman of life.

The important point, scholars say, is that the author did not set out to provide an accurate account of the creation of the first couple but sought instead to focus on their relationship. Man can now totally interact with the woman. He is no longer alone; he has a suitable partner.

Paul gives us a beautiful description of Jesus’ solidarity with the rest of the human family. While in humanity Jesus shared the status that human beings enjoyed, for Him to be made “lower” than heavenly beings was a humbling experience. Jesus emptied Himself of His divine privileges … as He also did by dying on the cross for all. (Note: Sr. Ilia Delio, one of the outstanding American theologians and an expert on St. Bonaventure, wrote The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective. I feel that this very readable book is an outstanding study on God.) Back to Paul: God wants to bring all people to glory in heaven. Since all have sinned, however, they are in need of salvation. Jesus came to lead us through His death to the glory intended from our creation. Jesus is not ashamed of our human nature that He shares with all.

Mark’s gospel consists of three scenes:

First, the Pharisees test Jesus: Divorce already is permitted by law. Jesus explains that the Mosaic Law goes beyond the original intent of God pointing out its concession to human weakness. By God’s design the couple become one flesh and must not be separated. The Pharisees are testing Jesus on Moses’ appropriate grounds for divorce. Jesus' position is that the original intent was the permanent marital union.

Second, Jesus goes into the house and challenges a pharisaic understanding of divorce and remarriage. They feel that the women’s reproductive potential belongs first to their fathers and then to their husbands, so adultery can be committed only against the man whose rights over the woman have been violated. Jesus says that the marriage partners are on equal footing.

Third, Mark does not explain why the disciples disapprove of the children who come to Jesus, but he does say that Jesus is indignant over this behavior. These children are the symbol and model of those who will receive and enter the reign of God. They are innocent and open and trusting — so Jesus says we, like the disciples, should have the same attitude, which is a gift from God. Do I?

So I reflect on:

• In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis asks everyone “to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and joy.” Am I growing in this?
• Divorce is a sign of many other personal and social struggles. Broken people, broken relationships, broken institutions: They are everywhere. Are people seeing my acts of love?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The Pharisees set out to test Jesus on the issue of divorce, referring to the stand of Moses. Jesus stated God’s desire but He was aware that all did not meet the ideal. May we have the faith to teach the truth and be compassionate to those who do not meet the ideal.

“From marriage there is the move to children. Jesus was happy to meet and engage with children, despite the indignation of the disciples. We pray for the freedom of children to approach Jesus and to be better members of His kingdom.”