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27th Sunday (B)
Gen 2:18-24
The passage describes Yahweh’s plan to create a partner for man (Adam). He created animals, which Adam named to show their subordination to him. However, none of them was a suitable partner. So, God put Adam into a deep sleep, took one of his ribs, and created a woman. The woman’s equality with the man is symbolized by the rib taken from his side, and it explains the physical attraction between them. A woman’s relation to the man is unique in the order of creation. The passage is also considered an allusion to the birth of the Church, the Spouse of Christ, born from the side of the Crucified Christ. The Hebrew word for woman (“issha”) contains the root for man (“ish”), just like the English term wo-man. Adding the possessive pronoun “her” to “man” (Heb: ishah) makes for a euphonic closeness to “woman.” The biblical teaching here emphasizes complementarity and equality, with a certain authority attached to the man, in accordance with Hebrew culture, in naming his partner. The new union is characterized by closeness, permanence, and exclusiveness, sealing the profound covenant union of husband and wife in marriage, a loving, supportive, and nurturing relationship.
Heb. 2:9-11
This reading refers to Christ’s Exultation through Abasement, explaining Jesus’ historical and temporary inferiority to the angels in his human condition. This was necessary for him to bond with the sinful people whom he came to save. Jesus, the High Priest, is ‘crowned with glory and honor’ because he suffered death. ‘For a little while,’ he was made ‘lower than the angels,’ so that by the grace of God, he might taste death for everyone. God, the Creator of all things, made the Savior “perfect through suffering.” Jesus, who consecrates, and we who are consecrated have one origin, which is why he calls us ‘brothers.'”
Mk 10:2-16
Today’s gospel contains two distinct narratives: the teaching on divorce (vv1-12) and on a child-like spirit (vv13-16). The discussion on divorce is found in all the Synoptics. Mark gives a clear statement on the indissolubility of marriage, admitting of no exception or qualification. To his opponents’ presentation of Moses’ concession to divorce, Jesus answers by citing scripture. In quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, he argues for and upholds the original divine plan for an indissoluble union, citing the Mosaic exception as a concession to human weakness. The narrative of Jesus and the children is expressive of a salient New Testament teaching. The reign of God is to be received with childlike simplicity. Children are capable of gaining or meriting nothing. By the same token, God’s favor is a total gift, and the only possible human response is grateful acceptance. Since God’s love is totally gratuitous, no “price tags” can be attached. The only acceptable posture of the beneficiary is a humble and open spirit.
Today’s scripture readings remind us of God’s original plan for the relationship between a man and a woman and Jesus’ clear statement regarding the permanence of the marriage state. May we all uphold the sanctity of marriage and oppose the passage of divorce laws and same-sex marriage in our country. Amen.
