The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our understanding of how intimate relationships can build up the people of God through practice of love, truth, and goodness.
The reading from the Book of Genesis is set in the Garden of Eden.
* [2:18] Helper suited to him: lit., “a helper in accord with him.” “Helper” need not imply subordination, for God is called a helper (Dt 33:7; Ps 46:2). The language suggests a profound affinity between the man and the woman and a relationship that is supportive and nurturing.
* [2:23] The man recognizes an affinity with the woman God has brought him. Unlike the animals who were made from the ground, she is made from his very self. There is a play on the similar-sounding Hebrew words ’ishsha (“woman,” “wife”) and ’ish (“man,” “husband”).
* [2:24] One body: lit., “one flesh.” The covenant of marriage establishes kinship bonds of the first rank between the partners. (Genesis, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 128 praises the Happy Home of the Faithful.
* [Psalm 128] A statement that the ever-reliable God will bless the reverent (Ps 128:1). God’s blessing is concrete: satisfaction and prosperity, a fertile spouse and abundant children (Ps 128:2–4). The perspective is that of the adult male, ordinarily the ruler and representative of the household to the community. The last verses extend the blessing to all the people for generations to come (Ps 128:5–6). (Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB, n.d.)
The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews explores Jesus' Exaltation through Abasement.
* [2:5–18] The humanity and the suffering of Jesus do not constitute a valid reason for relinquishing the Christian faith. Ps 8:5–6 is also applied to Jesus in 1 Cor 15:27; Eph 1:22; and probably 1 Pt 3:22. This christological interpretation, therefore, probably reflects a common early Christian tradition, which may have originated in the expression the son of man (Heb 2:6). The psalm contrasts God’s greatness with man’s relative insignificance but also stresses the superiority of man to the rest of creation, of which he is lord. Hebrews applies this christologically: Jesus lived a truly human existence, lower than the angels, in the days of his earthly life, particularly in his suffering and death; now, crowned with glory and honor, he is raised above all creation. The author considers all things as already subject to him because of his exaltation (Heb 2:8–9), though we do not see this yet. The reference to Jesus as leader (Heb 2:10) sounds the first note of an important leitmotif in Hebrews: the journey of the people of God to the sabbath rest (Heb 4:9), the heavenly sanctuary, following Jesus, their “forerunner” (Heb 6:20). It was fitting that God should make him perfect through suffering, consecrated by obedient suffering. Because he is perfected as high priest, Jesus is then able to consecrate his people (Heb 2:11); access to God is made possible by each of these two consecrations. If Jesus is able to help human beings, it is because he has become one of us; we are his “brothers.” (Hebrews, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of Mark, presents Marriage and Divorce and Jesus blesses Little Children.
* [10:2–9] In the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees on the subject of divorce, Jesus declares that the law of Moses permitted divorce (Dt 24:1) only because of the hardness of your hearts (Mk 10:4–5). In citing Gn 1:27 and 2:24 Jesus proclaims permanence to be the divine intent from the beginning concerning human marriage (Mk 10:6–8). He reaffirms this with the declaration that what God has joined together, no human being must separate (Mk 10:9). See further the notes on Mt 5:31–32; 19:3–9. (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)
Eileen Wirth comments on what Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel. Accept the kingdom in all its glory with the simplicity of a child. Don’t overthink it and don’t try to control it.
In the end, it’s all about accepting the kingdom of God as a child who has not yet learned about the need to CONTROL what’s happening or as an older person who no longer can. Both are gifts in their own way. So try to carve out just a few minutes to absorb all that God has given us and surrender to a childlike sense of wonder (Wirth, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “Mutual servants, equally serving,” by Tertullian, 160-225 A.D.
"Where are we to find language adequately to express the happiness of that marriage which the church cements, the oblation confirms, the benediction signs and seals, the angels celebrate, and the Father holds as approved? For all around the earth young people do not rightly and lawfully wed without their parents' consent. What kind of yoke is that of two believers who share one hope, one desire, one discipline, one service (Ephesians 4:4)? They enjoy kinship in spirit and in flesh. They are mutual servants with no discrepancy of interests. Truly they are 'two in one flesh' (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Where the flesh is one, the spirit is one as well. Together they pray, together bow down, together perform their fasts, mutually teaching, mutually entreating, mutually upholding. In the church of God they hold an equal place (Romans 12:15; 15:6; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:12). They stand equally at the banquet of God, equally in crises, equally facing persecutions, and equally in refreshments. Neither hides anything from the other. Neither neglects the other. Neither is troublesome to the other (Philippians 1:27). (excerpt from TO HIS WIFE 2.8) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24 comments that that even after Adam named all the animals, none were found to be “the suitable partner for the man” (Genesis 2:20). That’s because we can only truly have “partnership” with other human beings created in God’s image and likeness. And that communion, like the life of the Trinity, usually involves the giving of ourselves. The Sacrament of Marriage is a powerful sign of that love. But it’s also on display in the relationships between good friends, in volunteers who work together to serve the poor, or in priests or religious sisters and brothers who support one another in the faith.
Even when you feel lonely, know that you’re never alone. The One who made you for something more is always with you. Trust that he will build the communion he desires for you.
“Lord, thank you that you have made me for community, just like you.” (Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the matriarchal view of the marriage relationship that is indicated by moving into the woman’s home. In Hebrews, Jesus, for a time lower than the angels, is made perfect, or is ordained as high priest, through suffering. The Gospel speaks against divorce and Friar Jude reminds us of the efforts of Pope Francis to develop a pastoral response to people affected by divorce.
The reflection of Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, was not available at publication time.
We have great gratitude for the relationships that build our love for all the people we encounter on our journey.
References
Genesis, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?18
Hebrews, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/2?9
Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?2
Meditation on Genesis 2:18-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/06/1097908/
Psalms, PSALM 128 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/128?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). What God Has Joined Together, Let No Man Put Asunder. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct6
Wirth, E. (2024, October 6). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100624.html
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