6th October 2024
Lectionary Readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Ps. 128; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16
Theme: Happy are those who fear the LORD and walk in God’s ways
God’s laws in the First Testament which are carried forward and reinforced by Jesus in the Second Testament are for the protection of the individual, the family and society as a whole because they present to us how to relate to God, self and our neighbor. We see this in our readings for today.
The first reading presents the creation of helpers/companions for the man (ish) by Adonai. The animals are named by the man but are not equal as companions/helpers. So Adonai creates woman (ishah) from a rib of Adam. They belong to each other and form one flesh.
In the gospel reading the Pharisees come to Jesus with a question regarding the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus, true to his style, answers with a question regarding Moses’ law (Deut.24:1-4). Jesus does not speak against Moses but points out to the Pharisees that laws have sometimes been relaxed because of the weakness of human beings caused by sin – hardness of heart – not following the original law of God. Jesus then refers to both Creation stories Gen.1:37 and 2:24 and adds: “What God has joined together, let no-one separate.” Jesus thus proclaims the indissolubility of marriage as protected by the commandment: “you shall not commit adultery” (Ex.20:14) and “you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife” (Ex. 20:17)
With verses 13-16 we move to a new scenario though with connections to marriage and its purpose. Jesus shows how children are to be treated and respected for their example to all, unlike the way they were treated in Jesus’ day, and I am sad to say, in our day, too. Jesus points out by his words and actions that children can show us how to be in the Kingdom of God – innocent, not puffed-up and accepting of all before society teaches them otherwise.
In the letter to the Hebrews we are reminded that Jesus is the pioneer of suffering through his death and resurrection for the salvation for all. We are sanctified and thus become God’s children, brothers and sisters of Christ recalling what Jesus said in Luke 8:21: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” (Ex.19:8)
Psalm 128 describes the blessings of one who fears the LORD and walks in God’s ways. It is specifically directed at a man whose wife is like a fruitful vine in the centre of the home and the children are like olive trees. Goodness brings abundance and happiness while evil which disregards the commandments of God brings division which leads to wars and destruction of our beautiful world created out of love to be a family of peoples in our common home.
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. How do you see yourself in our world today? What is required of us to bring about the peace that Jesus promised? 2. “In the family we first learn how to show love and respect for life; we are taught the proper use of things, order and cleanliness, respect for the local ecosystem and care for all creatures.” (LaudatoSi’ –par.213). Discuss this by looking at dysfunctional and abusive families that produce psychopaths, sociopaths and other mental disorders that cause destruction in society. What are some solutions?
Bibliography: Hayford, Jack W. (Gen. ED.) “Spirit Filled Life Bible” (NKJV) Nashville (1991); Pope Francis “Laudato Si” Nairobi (2015); biblegateway.com NRSVCE
This week’s Sunday Commentary was prepared by
Bernadette Chellew, KZN, South Africa, Bat Kol Alumna 2008
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