The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 5, 2003
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 128:1-6
Hebrews 2:9-11
Mark 10:2-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One can become quite perplexed trying to determine the directions of today's readings. We hear the beautiful Genesis story of the origins of Adam and Eve. The Second Reading continues on the theme of our earthly origins, and of the beauty of creation. We are reminded that we all have one origin, and that it was fitting that Christ would become human to lead us to salvation. That part is understandable, but adding that He would be made perfect through suffering is a bit perplexing, after all, He was God. Why should God suffer? We know that we are taught that He suffered because He loved and loves us. We are also taught that His nature is Savior. That is His very being, to save, to bring us to salvation.

It is the choice of the Gospel for today that causes one to ponder. Why talk about divorce, after just talking about the fact that we all have one origin? We know divorce is rampant....almost 50% in some countries. Is Christ suggesting that men and women remain in abusive relationships no matter what? Is the answer to continue the upsurge in Church annulments? What was Christ suggesting?

Perhaps Christ was speaking on a much deeper level, about the essence of things. If indeed man and woman are one through marriage, then no, there is no possible divorce. If Christ is one with us, and calls us sisters and brothers, then there is no possibility of a separation from us. If Christ is the head of the Church, and we are the members, there is no possibility of separation. We can go through doubt, tribulation and suffering, but not separation to the extent of divorce. We are who we are by our very essence. To make us less would change our very essence, which is impossible.

So today, we can celebrate as we do at Christmas, and every Sunday, the joyful reality of the Incarnation!

Jesus, our Brother, our Savior,
......guide us.
Amen.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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posted by joachim at 5:43 AM