Daily Readings - Thu Feb 14 2019
Genesis
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.25The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Mark
24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of partnership, faith, and the transformative power of love. In the first reading from Genesis, we hear the story of the creation of Eve, the first woman, and the establishment of marriage as a sacred union between man and woman. Adam, upon seeing Eve, exclaims joyfully, recognizing her as bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh. This passage emphasizes the deep bond of marriage, where two individuals become one flesh, united in love and mutual support. It also reminds us that human beings are not meant to be alone; we are created for relationship and companionship.
In the Gospel, we encounter a very different kind of partnership—one between Jesus and a persistent Gentile woman. This woman, a Syrophoenician by birth, humbly approaches Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s healing despite the cultural and religious barriers that separate them. Her faith and determination are rewarded when Jesus praises her words and grants her request, freeing her daughter from the unclean spirit. This passage highlights the power of faith and the boundless mercy of God, who hears the cries of all people, regardless of their background.
Both readings remind us of the importance of relationships in our lives. In Genesis, we see the sacred bond of marriage as a reflection of God’s love for humanity. In Mark’s Gospel, we witness the transformative power of faith and humility in bridging even the widest divides. As we go about our daily lives, let us cherish the relationships that God has given us, whether in marriage, family, or friendship. Let us also approach God with the same persistence and humility as the Syrophoenician woman, trusting in His love and mercy to bring healing and unity to our lives. May we, like Adam and Eve, recognize the sacredness of the bonds we share, and may we, like the woman in the Gospel, never lose faith in God’s ability to transform even the most difficult circumstances.