THE UNITY OF MARRIAGE
(A biblical refection on THE 27th 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. Todays 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 todays Gospel, the ancient ideal of the unbreakable bond.
How do we know if love is true and if it will endure? We dont. Like most ventures of life, each person must intelligently make the best judgment possible, have faith in Gods 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.
October 7, 2012
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Opening Prayer
First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm: 128:1-6
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:2-16
QUESTIONS:
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