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THE UNITY OF MARRIAGE

(A biblical refection on THE 27^th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 7 October, 2012)

First Reading: Gen 2:18-24; Psalms: Ps 128:1-6; Second Reading: Heb 2:9-11; Gospel Reading: Mk 10:2-16

The Book of Genesis presents two stories of the Creation. Chapter one tells of the famous six days and emphasizes the making of the material world. Another scenario explaining the origin of human life appears in the second chapter. The two stories, with differing points of view and vocabulary, come from separate sources. The Bible was assembled from various oral and written traditions, and the biblical writers were more editors than authors. They placed these two stories side by side, rather than unifying them into one single account. Today’s initial reading from the second chapter describes, in a figurative way, the origins and union of man and woman.

This passage emphasizes the unity of marriage, with statements like “bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh,” bespeaking a loving intimacy and togetherness. If we are of the same bone and flesh as another, then our bodies and minds are compatible and each can freely give and receive without rejection. Compatible love and respect in marriage is the best basis for a lasting union.

The story portrays the first couple being introduced by God in person and joined with His blessing. Each man and woman planning a life-long marriage should proceed slowly, trying to be certain they are joined by God and not pushed together by immaturity, a desire to leave home, or physical attraction. The rising divorce rate is a bewildering religious and social problem which injures good people and often permanently scars innocent children.

Being “two in one” has many connotations, but nowhere is it more clearly seen than in the life of child. Regardless of the separation, divorce or death of the spouses, they will always be “two in one” in their children. Since marriage produces the profound, irreversible consequence of human life, it was intended by the Creator to be a permanent union. Jesus reaffirms, in today’s Gospel, the ancient ideal of the unbreakable bond.

How do we know if love is true and if it will endure? We don’t. Like most ventures of life, each person must intelligently make the best judgment possible, have faith in God’s original plan and try to bring it to a happy fulfilment. If love is true on both sides, nothing can sidetrack it. Like God its author, true love goes on and on.

Note: Taken from Rev. James McKarns, Go Tell Everyone, Makati, Philippines: St. Paul Publications, 1985, pages 178-179.

Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B

October 7, 2012

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24

Psalm: 128:1-6

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:2-16

Having gone from Galilee “to Judea, beyond the Jordan” (verse 1), Jesus resumes his teaching to his Apostles about discipleship, beginning in verse 13.

He is interrupted, however, by some Pharisees who have a question about the legality of divorce. This may have been an attempt to trap him: John the Baptist, who had been baptizing in that same area (Mark 1:9) had just recently paid with his life for his taking a public stand on the issue of King Herod’s divorce (Mark 6:17-29).

The Pharisees point to Deuteronomy 24:1-4, the Law of Moses, to support their case (verse 3). This piece of legislation was not an actual command to divorce as the Pharisees seemed to interpret it, but as a concession by Moses to the hardheartedness of the culture, where divorce had become taken for granted and women were as a result victimized.

In response to their citing the Scriptures to support the practice of divorce, Jesus reaches even further back into the Scripture (Genesis 1:27, 2:24) to reveal to them God’s original plan for marriage and, amazingly, on his own authority, sets the higher Christian standard for marriage (verses 9, 11-12).

QUESTIONS:

In the Second Reading, when Jesus tasted death for the entire human family, of what was his act representative (Philippians 2:8; Ephesians 5:2; CCC 624)? What is the possible background for the expression “taste death” (see Genesis 3:17-19)?

According to the passages of Genesis to which Jesus alludes in verses 6-8, what are the three characteristics of the marital bond in God’s original plan for marriage? Why can it not be broken by any civil or religious authority? (see also Matthew 5:32, 19:9, and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16)

How might the issue of divorce illustrate hardness of heart? How does acceptance of God’s plan remove hardness of heart? What is the connection between Jesus’ blessing of the children and the prohibition of divorce in verses 11-12?

Does our society teach us to regard some people as having more worth than others (verses 13-16)? Whom do we honor? Whom do we imitate? Why do you think Jesus specifically sought out those who, like children, were powerless? What are some ways in which, you, too, can seek out those most in need?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1603, 1640, 2382-86; 1250-52, 2222

The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other: it is a perpetual exercise of mortification. -St. Francis de Sales