October 4, 2015
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 140 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation)
Sunday Says
Reading 1
Genesis 2:18-24
This week’s first reading comes to us from the well known reading from Genesis. This is the origin story of Eve in Adam’s search for a companion. This reading can be so familiar that it’s easy to dismiss or tune out, but we live in a world where this has become incredibly controversial. Marriage as a God-given union was created as a life-long covenant between a man and a woman, but divorce rates are high and there is also people who no longer see marriage as something worth entering. This reading comes only a few pages into the Bible and reminds us that this is one of the oldest and foundational Truths in our lives.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
- (cf. 5) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.
Reading 2
Hebrews 2:9-11
This week’s second reading from the letter to the Hebrews is a shift in our focus until the next liturgical season. The recent converts to Christianity were enduring suffering and isolation from their long standing Jewish religion and community. The writer is assuring them that these difficulties are worth enduring for the reward of Christ Himself. Even though they feel disconnected from their ancestors, the writer is assuring them that they find and even greater union with their Lord and Savior. Sometimes, we also feel disconnected from family or friends when we grow closer to Him, but we can rest assured that this union is supreme and fulfilling.
Alleluia 1 John 4:12
- Alleluia, alleluia.
If we love one another, God remains in us
and his love is brought to perfection in us.
Gospel
Mark 10:2-16
This week’s Gospel from St Mark connects directly to the first reading on marriage. The Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus into contradicting the law, but Jesus is fully aware of what they were trying to do. They sensed that Jesus was calling them to something higher and even more difficult. Their anxiety was justified because Jesus takes explains the difficulty of the commandment of marriage.
Marriage is a wonderful gift we have received, but it is a difficult cross that has joys and struggles. Jesus reminds us of the dignity and ultimateness of the covenant of marriage. In these troubling times, we need to pray and encourage holy marriages more than ever. We also pray for the upcoming Synod on the family, that God may bless and guide the Church.
Reflection question
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Today Christ speaks to us of relationships and hardness of hearts. We are created for relationship with God and others. The loving and self-giving relationship of man and woman in sacramental marriage is to be a model. Relationships require openness and give-and-take. Hardness of heart and stubbornness are obstacles to the communion of relationship. Where is my hard heartedness an obstacle to my relationship with others, the Church or God?
