Twenty Seventh Sunday of the Year October 06, 2024
Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16
We are in a rapidly changing time. Many values are questioned today. One of them is all about marriage and its commitments. There is no doubt that the outlook on marriage has changed with these changing times. Through the statement of Jesus in the Gospel today, “What God has joined together, no human being must separate” Jesus is inviting us to stick to one model.
Today’s readings bring us to reflect on a central and enduring aspect of our faith: the sacredness of marriage and relationships, and the fundamental call to unity in our Christian lives. They remind us that at the heart of human existence is our profound need for connection—connection to each other, and ultimately to God.
In the first reading from Genesis, we are drawn into the story of creation, where God sees that "it is not good for man to be alone". This is not simply about marriage but about the nature of human relationships in general. God creates human beings for community, companionship, and love. Adam’s response upon seeing Eve is one of joyful recognition, “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23).
This union of Adam and Eve goes beyond the romantic. It reflects a divine reality: human beings are made in the image of God, who is Love, and so we are called to love one another as an expression of God’s presence. The passage underscores the complementarity and equality of men and women, created to be partners, walking together in mutual support and respect.
In our own time, this vision can sometimes feel distant. We live in a world where division, isolation, and selfishness often distort our relationships. But the creation account in Genesis serves as a reminder of the ideal God has for human relationships: unity, love, and mutual respect. This is the foundation upon which all human connections, especially marriage, should be built.
In today’s Gospel Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce. Their question is one of legality: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Jesus does not respond with a legal argument but points them back to God’s original intent for marriage. He quotes the same passage from Genesis that we heard in the first reading, affirming that in marriage, “the two become one flesh” (Mark 10:8). What God has joined together, no one should separate.
Here, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is not merely a contract, but a covenant—a sacred and unbreakable bond that mirrors the faithful, unending love of God for His people. The Pharisees approached marriage from a transactional perspective, focusing on rights and duties, but Jesus shifted the focus to love and fidelity. His teaching is radical, challenging a culture that treats women as property and marriage as something disposable.
Jesus’ words call us to rediscover the profound mystery of marriage as a reflection of God’s love. In a world where commitments are often seen as temporary, His teaching reminds us that love—true, self-giving love—requires sacrifice, patience, and perseverance. Marriage, when lived in this way, becomes a path to holiness, a school of love where we learn to put the needs of another ahead of our own.
However, it’s important to note that Jesus’ teaching does not come without compassion. He does not ignore the reality of brokenness in human relationships. Divorce, while not part of God’s original plan, is sometimes a sad necessity in situations of abuse, betrayal, or deep incompatibility. The Church, following Jesus’ example, offers mercy, understanding, and pastoral care to those who suffer through the pain of broken relationships. Even in our failings, God’s grace is always present, inviting us to healing and renewal.
While the readings focus heavily on marriage, their message extends to all relationships. At the heart of today’s liturgy is the call to unity. In the second reading, the letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus, through His suffering and death, has made us “one” with Him (Hebrews 2:11). He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. This is a powerful statement of our unity in Christ. Our relationships with one another, whether in marriage, family, or community, are meant to reflect this profound oneness.
In a divided world, where differences of opinion, background, and social status often separate us, the Christian is called to be a witness to unity. We are called to be peacemakers, bridge builders, and reconcilers. This begins in our homes, where love, forgiveness, and understanding must be the foundation of all our interactions. But it extends to our communities and beyond, as we work to break down the barriers that divide and dehumanize.
The sacrament of marriage is one of the clearest expressions of this call to unity. A married couple, through their love and fidelity, become a visible sign of God’s love for the world. But even for those who are not married, today’s readings remind us of the importance of living in the right relationship with one another. Whether we are single, married, religious, or widowed, we are all called to love, to community, and to unity.
As we reflect on today’s readings, let us ask ourselves how we are living out the call to love and unity in our own lives. For those who are married, how can you deepen your love for your spouse, making your marriage a true reflection of God’s love? For those who are single, how can you live out your vocation in a way that fosters unity and community in the world around you?
Ultimately, today’s liturgy calls each of us to see our relationships as sacred, whether in marriage or friendship. We are reminded that we are not meant to live in isolation but in a loving community with one another. The love we share with others—faithful, forgiving, and life-giving—is a participation in the very life of God. Let us strive to make that love the foundation of our lives, homes, and world. Let us stick to one model Jesus and the love that he has taught us. May we always remember Jesus’ call to unity and let that guide our hearts and actions, as we walk together in the journey of faith, growing in love for God and for one another.
Happy Sunday
No comments:
Post a Comment