Dominion Decisions

The passages from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today bring us to consider the place of humanity in Creation. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the creation narrative of the priestly authors at about 550 BC, which is the first creation account in the Book of Genesis. The position of God as One who is Creator of all things is presented in words which omit any reference to the pagan traditions regarding gods of sun and moon and good and evil. The work of the sixth day is good. The Creation of humans is special in the use of the creation verb three times as the Jewish writers are conveying superlative creation and equality in the male and female genders of humans. The people who appreciate the wonder of Creation cry out in praise to God, as does the psalmist, for the awesome role of stewardship which is entrusted to humanity. The creation of rest, according to Friar Jude, is an essential part of our keeping in balance our lives as viceroys of Creation and our powerful self direction from which our pride and passion for privilege and pleasure pulls us to make choices through which evil enters the goodness of Creation. In the Sabbath times we are offered opportunity to connect with Creation and the original relationship with God. The Gospel of Mark presents a scenario where Jesus identifies those who strive so hard to keep the Law in a deeply legalistic manner may have created loopholes and opportunities for the cunning of the human creature to manipulate Sacred Tradition for selfish ends. The review we need is of those legalistic practices in our lives which may actually be deflecting opportunities to be Christ to others.