Daily Readings - Sun Oct 07 2018
Genesis
7then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.15The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.18Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."19So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.20The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him.21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.22And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.23Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."24Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Hebrews
9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
Mark
2And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"3He answered them, "What did Moses command you?"4They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away."5And Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.6But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'7'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,8and they shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.9What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."10And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.11And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,12and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."13And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the sacred narrative of creation, the mystery of salvation, and the teachings of Jesus, each offering profound insights into God's plan for humanity. The first reading from Genesis recounts the creation of man and woman, highlighting their unity and complementary roles as stewards of God's creation. This passage underscores the deep bond between man and woman, established by God, and serves as the foundation for understanding the sacrament of marriage. The second reading from Hebrews illuminates Jesus's role in salvation, emphasizing his humility and sacrifice. It reminds us that Jesus, though divine, took on human form to sanctify us, demonstrating the depth of God's love. In the Gospel, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, citing Genesis, and teaches about the innocence and humility required to enter the Kingdom of God.
These readings are intricately connected, as they all point to the unity and love that God intends for His creation. The Genesis narrative provides the theological basis for Jesus's teaching on marriage, showing that the union of man and woman is part of God's original design. Hebrews complements this by highlighting Jesus's role in restoring humanity's relationship with God, which is mirrored in the fidelity and love expected in marriage. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the nature of relationships and our call to live in unity and love.
In our daily lives, these teachings challenge us to cherish and uphold the sanctity of marriage, fostering fidelity, respect, and self-giving love. They also remind us of the importance of humility and innocence, qualities that allow us to approach God with openness and trust. As we navigate our relationships and spiritual journeys, may we draw inspiration from these readings to live with greater love, humility, and faithfulness, striving to reflect God's love in all we do.