Sunday, October 6, 2024

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:8-11; Mark 10:2-12)

It is often said that Genesis is not a historical book but a narrative of wisdom. It does not teach us when God created man but rather how men and women should live. Today’s reading from Genesis tells us how humans—male and female—complement each other. The explanation emphasizes the main theme of the Bible -- God’s love for humanity.

The story begins with God taking note that Adam (or “human" because he is from the earth, which in Greek is humus) is alone, and that this condition "is not good." We wonder, why is it "not good"? Does Adam need someone to labor with him? This can't be the reason because before sin Adam does not need to work. No, what Adam lacks is a companion to help him develop his humanity.

Out of concern for the human, God brings him different kinds of animals, which Adam names. This act is a step forward in the development of his mind because he has to think of an appropriate name for each type of animal. He calls porcupines by that name because they are like pigs with spines, and he names the "elephants" that way because the Greek word elephas means "ivory." Yet, no animal can fulfill the purpose of companionship.

Then God forms the woman from one of Adam’s ribs. The woman is similar to Adam, but there are significant differences between the two, notably their sexual organs. As she stands before him, Adam can see himself for the first time. As a result, Adam calls his companion ishah, which means "from man." Thus, he gives himself a new name. He is no longer Adam (i.e., “from the earth”) but ish, which in Hebrew means “man.” Meanwhile, the woman awakens in his soul a new level of consciousness. Now he knows desire.  He wants to unite with her. As the text says, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

In one way God has created the two as equals. Man and woman have the same dignity. It does not matter that man was created first. He was made from the earth, while she was made from a greater substance, a rib. She was also created with greater capacity for dialogue, which stimulates knowing. We see this talent in her encounter with the serpent in the garden.

However, over time, men took advantage of their superior muscles to dominate women. They will claim the right to divorce their wives for almost any excuse, while never allowing women to divorce their husbands. Also, men will have sexual relations with unmarried women without breaking the Law. But women will violate the Law by relations with any man. As a result, men will enjoy greater status.

That is, until Jesus comes. His mission is to restore the original order created by God. He will not only prohibit divorce, as we see in today’s Gospel, but also lust. If Moses allowed divorce "because of the hardness of hearts," Jesus will soften hearts with the love of the Holy Spirit. His death on the cross will demonstrate this love, and His resurrection from the dead will serve as its source.

We know that all marriages experience bumps along the way. There may be disagreements, lies, disappointments, betrayals, or other challenges. Jesus is prohibiting divorce as a solution to these problems. Rather, the two must forgive each other and take the necessary steps to rekindle the flame of love.

We want to raise another concern now. What should a couple do if they simply cannot live together? It is true that domestic violence and even infidelity give the offended person permission to separate. In such circumstances, the two should seek expert help to recognize their responsibilities. One more thing, it will always be necessary to ask the Lord for patience. Both parties will need patience in order to not give up.

 

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