Called to live in community
october 6, 2024 | 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Gen. 2:18-24; Ps. 128; Hebrews 2: 9-11; Mark 10:2-16
Greek mythology tells us that human beings were originally extraordinary creatures with two faces, with four legs and four legs. Threatened by the power of these humans, Zeus decided to weaken them by cutting them into two pieces. These two halfs lived now miserably continually longing for the other half. Love and companionship are exactly the coming back of the original self.
Called to live in community
On this 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we reflect deeply on the reality of Marriage. In the first reading from Genesis 2:18-24, in the second creation story, God created animals and birds for man to name, but none was suitable. God then made a woman from man’s rib because he says:
“It is not good for man to be alone”.
Living together is fundamental for us as human beings. God found it important for a man to have a companion, a helper. Just as the rib is found at the side of the man and attached to him, so even shall the good wife, the rib of the husband, stand at his side as his soulmate and they become one flesh. They are one and equal. They should become beacons of Christ light in the world.
Marriage is God’s design
In Mark 10:1-31, Jesus goes deeper on the question of marriage, reaffirming its wealth, reiterating its sacredness and its unity and indissolubility, that is its lifelong commitment. Jesus is very clear, the permission given by Moses was given because of human hardness of heart, but this was never part of God’s will. “In the beginning, God made them one and whatever God has united.
“No man shall separate.”
In other words, marriage, a covenant, a sacrament, which are beyond any contractual obligation or economic utility.
Marriage is a triangle with God at the Top
In Ephesians 5, we see faithfulness, perseverance and faithfulness as the three pilars on which every marriage should be rooted after the example of Christ. Our society needs to be reminded that marriage is a divine institution. Hence, it takes three to make marriage: God – the man – and the woman. Marriage is indeed like a triangle. The closer husband and wife draws to God, the closer they draw to each other. The further they move from God, the further they move from each other. Closeness to Christ is indeed the solution to all unhealthy relationships.
Family prayer with Psalm 128.
With Psalm 128, we pray for God’s love and blessings over our families all the days of our lives. May each of our families discover the importance of trusting in God’s will and growing in faith. May our families in this perilous time, seek God’s provision and protection. This Sunday we also ask for joyful and loving days filled with peace and laughter within families and that the separated and divorced may also find healing and peace! We finally pray that our families may be encouraged to stay close to God by reading the word of God together and having frequent visitation to the blessed sacrament and participation in the holy eucharist in order to comfort each other in God’s presence throughout their lives. Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC
Living the Gospel this Week
Living the Gospel this week. Becoming a little child in hand of God
This lesson we would like to focus on this 27th Sunday is trusting faith. Jesus praises the nature of little children. Jesus once again asks us to consider the trusting faith of a child. Jesus is not suggesting we return to babyhood but to embrace the unwavering trust children have in their parents.
Do you find comfort in the presence of God? We need the same trust little ones have for their parents with God as our Father. As we grow, we seek independence, but in our relationship with God, we must remain like trusting children. Whatever happens, just say: “My Father I know you are here with me”.
This week, try to imitate Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice in your relationship with family and community.
Happy 27th Sunday
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC