October 7, 2012

Bulletin October 7, 2012 27^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B/.

Genesis 2: 18-24; Hebrews 2: 9-11; Mark 10:2-16
Today the readings are difficult. I do not think that they are difficult because of the content but because so many people, me included, get off on a tangent and misunderstand the message of scripture. This happens when the word marriage comes up, when divorce is mentioned and/or when living in relationships are discussed. Each and every one of us has his or her own sensitivities and feelings; each has seen life at its best and at in its worse, and each has definite opinions especially when the hurts happen to those they love. I do, this is not only natural but expected. And this clouds what God is telling us through today’s scripture readings.
There are two creation accounts in the Book of Genesis: Genesis 1 – 2:4; and Genesis 2: 4-25. Obviously with two mismatched creation stories in the first two chapters, the purpose is not to suggest a scientific history of creation. Today’s first reading is from the second creation story; it begins and God has already created a man, planted a garden, and turned it over to the man. Then this always aware and caring God sees that the man is lonely. It’s so interesting the contrast between this account and the first creation story; because for the first time God says that something ‘is not good.’ So God remedies it by creating animals and tells man to name them. But not one was a “suitable partner”; this word can also be translated as a “fit helpmate.” In looking at it in this way, the Genesis author presents the image of a person alone as helpless. To resolve the problem, God puts the man into a sleep so deep that he cannot watch what is going on. Having created the woman from the rib of the man, God brings her to the man, almost like the father of the bride escorting a daughter to her intended. The man is delighted. It is obvious that Genesis is teaching theology and anthropology, not history. The point is that it is not good for a person to be alone. Human beings are social by nature. Each one is created to be partners and helpers one for another. This passage presents marriage as meeting the need for companionship and equality.
The Gospel passage contains two controversial stories about Jesus. One focuses on divorce and the other on children and the kingdom of God. Over the divorce issue the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus again. John the Baptist had been beheaded by Herod over the question of divorce. While that lurked in the background, rabbis of that day debated the legitimacy of divorce – do we side with the ‘King’ or the Law. They come to Jesus who asks them what Moses “commanded”. They responded by saying what Moses “permitted”. Rather than debate their using the word ‘permission’, Jesus explained that Moses did this because of the people’s hardheartedness. In reality the law about writing a bill of divorce protected women, proving that they were free to remarry. Also at the end of this section of the law, Moses indicated that a man had a duty to his wife, not just vice versa. The big point is that they are questioning the authority of Jesus to teach in the name of God. Who is this upstart! Doesn’t He know that we are the teachers of the Law, not Him, even if He claims to be God?
Then Mark includes an unusual insertion about children who were being brought to Jesus to obtain a blessing. The disciples didn’t like this. Jesus stops then in their tracks by pointing out that the kingdom of God is for people who have the same status as children which are no status at all. This means that no one is to be excluded from heaven. Children were on the very bottom of the social scale; Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is about inclusion not exclusion.
So how can this all be tied together? I find it interesting that the verse right at the end of the Genesis reading (Genesis 2:25) says, “The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame.” They had nothing to hide. They were living in unity and love, intimacy and trust. This is a certain glimpse of what heaven is like. And they could have ‘lived happily ever after’ but then came The Fall. They blame each other and cover themselves in their shame. Jesus came to restore order, the order of love. He came to reconcile all people to God and to each other. He gives His strength through the Spirit to live lives according to God’s law of love.
But what happens is that ‘society’ comes in…or my own desires…or my way of doing things and since it ‘feels’ right it has to be OK. Do I let how others think affect how I live God’s message of love? Today is Respect Life Day. This is what Jesus taught that all life is created in love and all life is to be love so that others can see God and come to know God.
Fr. Flor McCarthy, a Dominican priest and noted Homiletic writer from Ireland has some interesting comments in his sermons for this weekend. I quote the ones I feel fit:

• “In marriage God answered the human need for friendship, companionship, closeness and warmth – all those things we pine for but find so difficult. These needs can also be met by belonging to a community. And those who have a close relationship with God are never alone.”
  
• “All of us are wounded by sin and selfishness. To enter marriage is to enter a school of love, a school in which all are slow learners.”
  
• “What are things which weaken the marriage bond? Lack of respect, poor communication, selfishness, and above all infidelity. Respect good communication, unselfishness, and fidelity strengthen the bond.”
  
• “Relationships have to be worked on.”
  
• “God has made us for love – to receive it and to give it. However, the ability to love is not something that is given to the couple on their wedding day with all the other gifts. Love is something that has to be learned.”
  
• “Nothing is easier as life goes on than to grow old in heart, dry and disillusioned, cynical and selfish. Children put us in touch with the gentler and more innocent part of themselves that we may have discarded in the struggle or battle of life. They revive in us too a sense of wonder and it is the sense of wonder above all that keeps us young. When Jesus says to us, “Unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven,’ He is recalling us to our lost childhood, so that though old and frail in body, we might be reborn in innocence of character.”
  
• “Children are more suited for the kingdom because they know how to receive a gift. No one can enter the kingdom who is not open to receive it as a gift. “
  

It is all about God…who loves us…gifts us…leads us to Himself and wants us to be Him forever. He didn’t make a mistake in creating me and all of humankind, God doesn’t make mistakes. I do, all do, when they do it their way. So in reflection: Am I listening to God…society…or me?