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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