Daily Readings - Sun Oct 07 2018
Genesis
7the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.15The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.18The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."19Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.20So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.21So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.23The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, 'for she was taken out of man."24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Hebrews
9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Mark
2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied.6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,8and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed 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.