Greetings on this the Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jas 5:9-12; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12; Mk 10:1-12
Summary
The Lord is kind and merciful.
In our readings today a certain type of meta-crescendo ‘ABC’ style used across the readings. Perhaps after you read this reflection you will disagree. Maybe you would say it’s more like a Pauline ‘ABA’ style. Or maybe you just shake your head and say, ‘There he goes again!’ I am happy to read your comments. Allow me to lay the approach out for you.
If you want to go deep on the writing style arguments: https://semanatorul.emanuel.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/4.1.04-Semanatorul-4.1.2023_Mihaila.pdf
The full scripture readings today can be found here (it will provide a fuller read): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052424.cfm
- A–A– In the first reading, the letter of James that we are not to judge our brothers and sisters (that is, anyone).
- B–B– In the responsorial, Psalm 103, a favorite pslam of mercy (in particular for a Friday, the day of the crucifixion). I put in the full responsorial today. Kindness and Mercy.
- C–A–(which do you think) In the gospel reading, Jesus defines marriage in mystical terms, blessed terms and inviolate terms.
In the sandwich approach (ABA), the readings present the two major examples of sin: Judging and Divorce – the ultimate form of personalized judging. The solution (the B), is the kind and merciful Lord. That is how the LORD views our mistakes and sins and short of this marvelous grace we would fall into an abyss of self-loathing and haterd for all.
In the meta-crescendo (ABC) approach an eye-popping theological perspective. The first reading defines the problem, period. The problem is judging others which includes your spouse (doh!). The foundational solution is the kind and merciful Lord. The height of that mercy in this life is the giving of man to woman and woman to man, that they might become one flesh. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. (x-ref Gen 2:18-25).
The LORD God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. Said differently, man and woman are the fullest completion of the creation of humanity oen in the other.
You may draw one or two conclusions and they are both right.
Reflection
Relationships are bruised and can fail to the onslaught of judgement especially from those closest to us. We can reflect on the mercy of God for our own shortcomings as the only saving solution of our particular mistakes. But why not for the mistakes of others? Even the spouse? (the answer is Yes, in case you were wondering)?
Perhaps we can go deeper. The Lord has imbedded in us the solution. In our discovering ourselves in the Other of Ourselves, we have within a heart capable to express most wonderfully the kindness and mercy of the Lord. His answer is the matrimonial model. Of course you marry only one at a time and ideally only ever once. But we suffer from the hardness of [y]our hearts against MANY people besides a spouse. The matrimonial perspective allows for the reality of your completion in all persons.
Married or single does not matter in this context then.
If Adam can say ‘Alas!” and Eve can ‘urge for peace’, so too you can do.
At home.
At work
Everywhere.
Everyone.
Personal Reflection
How did I come to this reflection? Yesterday I was the presiding minister at a funeral and graveside service. In preparation for the service I call the next-of-kin (NOK) representative and offer condolences, ask questions and give them the chance to tell the story of the deceased in a way that brings them comfort (and for the widowed spouse who could not speak). A marvelous conversation and a clear sign of healthy grief and remembrances. I did ask the question, due to the age differences, where did they meet? Part of the answer was the place but the other part of the answer was to reminisce that they (husband and wife) were ‘one person‘. It caused me to tear up. I told the NOK representative that I would love to use the gospel account of Jesus, which pure coincidence is the reading today, where he describes: But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.
The NOK representative cried.
I cried (a little as to not interfere).
You can cry too, with joy.
First Reading
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have seen the purpose of the Lord, because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Responsorial
The Lord is kind and merciful.
R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Gospel Acclamation
Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.
Gospel
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 