Lectio Reflection - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Mark 10:2-16

Summary

The video reflects on the Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, focusing on Jesus' teaching on marriage, divorce, and the importance of faith. Jesus emphasizes the sacredness of marriage, stating that what God unites, no one should divide. He also highlights that divorce leads to adultery. The discourse then shifts to the importance of welcoming the Kingdom of God with the simplicity of a child. The reflection encourages listeners to engage with faith, extend understanding and kindness, and apply biblical truths to their daily lives.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Jesus reflects on marriage as a sacred union created by God and emphasizes its importance.
• 💔 Jesus teaches that divorce was allowed due to human stubbornness but reinforces that marriage is meant to be an unbreakable bond.
• 📜 The Pharisees question Jesus about divorce, testing him with Mosaic law, but Jesus responds by explaining the original intent of marriage.
• 📝 Jesus introduces a new teaching that remarrying after divorce is akin to committing adultery.
• 👶 Jesus highlights the importance of welcoming the kingdom of God with the simplicity and openness of a child.
• 🚸 Jesus becomes indignant when the disciples try to turn away children, insisting that they should be embraced.
• 📖 Jesus connects the conversation on divorce with teachings from the book of Genesis, emphasizing that humanity is created in God's image.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The theme of belonging and unity in marriage is underscored, with Jesus asserting that man and woman become 'one body' in marriage.
• 🤔 The conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees illustrates how Jesus often interpreted the law with deeper, spiritual meaning.
• 🌱 The script invites reflection on the role of faith and acceptance, encouraging a childlike openness in our spiritual lives and relationships.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in this reflection?

The reflection focuses on the Gospel of the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), specifically addressing Jesus' teaching on divorce and the importance of receiving the kingdom of God like a child.

What question do the Pharisees ask Jesus, and why?

The Pharisees ask Jesus, 'Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?' They were trying to test him by challenging his interpretation of the law on divorce.

How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees' question about divorce?

Jesus responds by pointing out that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, but from the beginning, God intended for marriage to be a permanent union. He emphasizes that what God has united, man must not divide.

What does Jesus say about remarriage after divorce?

Jesus teaches that if a man divorces his wife and marries another, he commits adultery, and the same applies to a woman who divorces her husband and remarries.

What is the significance of Jesus welcoming little children in this Gospel passage?

Jesus emphasizes that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a little child, with simplicity and openness. He teaches that anyone who does not welcome the kingdom with this childlike attitude will not enter it.

What is the broader context of this Gospel passage in Mark's narrative?

This passage occurs during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ. Jesus is teaching his disciples about the deeper meaning of discipleship, including his views on marriage and humility.

How does Jesus contrast his teaching with the law of Moses?

Jesus contrasts his teaching by highlighting that Moses allowed divorce because of the people's unteachability, but Jesus points to God's original plan for marriage, which is a permanent and sacred union.

Why is Jesus' teaching on divorce considered controversial?

Jesus' teaching on divorce was controversial because it contradicted the common practice and understanding of the law at the time, which permitted divorce. His stricter interpretation of marriage as indissoluble was shocking to both the Pharisees and society.

What lesson does Jesus' interaction with children offer to his disciples?

Jesus' interaction with the children serves as a lesson to his disciples, teaching them to welcome people with the same openness and humility as children and to serve even those considered the least in society.

What personal reflections do the speakers in the transcript share about the Gospel reading?

The speakers reflect on the challenge of Jesus' teaching in today's society, the importance of childlike faith, and how Jesus' message about marriage and belonging to one another invites deeper reflection on how we relate to others and apply these principles in our lives.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Reflection on the Gospel of the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This paragraph introduces the reflection on the Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. The text begins with Jesus teaching in Judea, where Pharisees ask him about the legality of divorce. Jesus responds by referring to Moses' commandment, explaining that it was due to the people's hardness of heart. He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, saying that from creation, God made man and woman to be one body, and what God unites, no one should separate. Jesus' disciples later ask him about this teaching, and he clarifies that divorcing and remarrying is equivalent to committing adultery. The text also introduces the episode where people bring children to Jesus, and he blesses them, reinforcing the value of childlike faith in entering the Kingdom of God.

05:02

👶 Simplicity of Children and Approach to the Kingdom of God

This paragraph emphasizes the importance of approaching the Kingdom of God with the simplicity and receptivity of children. Jesus' gesture of embracing children teaches his disciples how to receive others. The text notes that this is the second time in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus speaks about children, highlighting their humility and vulnerability. It contrasts modern adult complexities with the childlike acceptance that Jesus advocates, where mystery is embraced rather than questioned. This section underlines the deep connection between humility, innocence, and entry into the Kingdom of God.

10:03

💡 Jesus' Interpretation of the Law on Divorce

In this section, the script explores Jesus' approach to interpreting the law concerning divorce. It highlights how Jesus contrasts the Pharisees' legalistic understanding with his deeper spiritual interpretation. While the Pharisees quoted Moses’ allowance for divorce, Jesus pointed to Genesis, stressing that marriage is a divine union created by God. The text explains that Jesus introduces a new principle—remarrying after divorce constitutes adultery, a teaching that was as challenging in his time as it is today. The teaching is linked to the overarching theme of compassion and the integrity of relationships in light of God's design.

📜 Faith and the Place of Children in the Kingdom

This paragraph returns to the significance of children in Jesus’ teachings, using it as an analogy for faith. It emphasizes that a childlike attitude is necessary to welcome the Kingdom of God. The contributors reflect on how adults tend to overcomplicate faith with intellectualism, while children naturally embrace mystery. The paragraph closes with personal reflections, discussing how this teaching applies to the speaker's role in Catholic education and how they strive to welcome children and nurture their spiritual growth without overwhelming them.

🕊️ Unity, Image of God, and Humility

This section reflects on the deeper theological principles in Jesus’ teachings, particularly the notion that humans are created in the image of God. The speaker connects this idea with the importance of unity in relationships, emphasizing the value of belonging to one another and avoiding judgment. The focus shifts to how this concept influences the speaker's engagement with others, highlighting the importance of humility, acceptance, and love in human relationships.

📖 Applying the Scripture to Our Lives

This paragraph emphasizes that the process of reading scripture involves not just understanding the text but applying its truth to one's life. It encourages readers to reflect on how the teachings resonate with them personally and invites them to consider ways they can embody these lessons in their daily actions. The act of integrating scripture into life is presented as the completion of the reading process.

🙏 Prayer and Reflection on the Gospel

This concluding paragraph invites listeners to pray for the strength, courage, and patience to implement the decisions they've made in response to the Gospel reflection. It quotes a prayer from the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, asking for God's mercy and guidance. The script ends with an encouragement to join again next week for another reflection, emphasizing the role of prayer in reinforcing one's faith and spiritual journey.

Keywords

💡Divorce

In the script, divorce is discussed in the context of a question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees. They asked if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife, referencing the law of Moses. Jesus responds by emphasizing that divorce was permitted due to people's 'unteachable' nature but was not part of God's original design for marriage, highlighting the sanctity of marital union.

💡Marriage

Marriage is portrayed as a divine institution created by God. Jesus teaches that marriage involves a man and a woman becoming 'one body,' and what God has united should not be divided. This elevates the concept of marriage beyond a mere legal contract, emphasizing its spiritual and permanent nature as part of God's creation.

💡Pharisees

The Pharisees are religious leaders who approach Jesus to test him by asking about divorce. They represent the legalistic interpretation of the law, contrasting with Jesus' more profound understanding of marriage as a divinely instituted union. Their role in the dialogue highlights the tension between rigid legalism and spiritual principles in religious teachings.

💡Law of Moses

The Law of Moses is mentioned when the Pharisees reference it to justify divorce. According to Moses, divorce was allowed through a writ of dismissal, but Jesus counters that this was due to the people's hardened hearts. Jesus contrasts this with the original divine intention for marriage, reflecting a shift from strict legalism to deeper moral and spiritual values.

💡Children

Children symbolize innocence and receptivity in the video. When people bring children to Jesus, his disciples try to turn them away, but Jesus insists on welcoming them, stating that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it like children. This highlights the importance of humility, simplicity, and faith in approaching God.

💡Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is central to Jesus' teaching in the video. Jesus declares that the Kingdom belongs to those who receive it like little children, emphasizing qualities like trust, openness, and humility. This teaching serves as a contrast to the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees and highlights a key aspect of discipleship.

💡Adultery

Adultery is mentioned by Jesus when he explains the consequences of divorce and remarriage. He states that a man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery, as is a woman who does the same. This reinforces the seriousness of the marriage bond in God's eyes and the ethical implications of breaking it.

💡Discipleship

Discipleship is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings throughout the script. After his predictions of the Passion, Jesus instructs his disciples on what it means to follow him, which includes understanding and living out teachings about marriage, humility, and welcoming the Kingdom of God like children. Discipleship involves embracing Jesus' interpretation of the law and his spiritual principles.

💡Genesis

Genesis is referenced by Jesus when he cites the creation account to explain the divine origin of marriage. He refers to the passage where God creates humans as male and female and intends for them to become one body. This use of Genesis underscores the foundational nature of marriage in God's creation and law.

💡Faith

Faith is implied as a necessary quality for understanding and living out Jesus' teachings. The script discusses how one must approach the Kingdom of God with the simplicity and acceptance of a child, which is a metaphor for the pure and trusting faith needed to be a disciple. Faith is contrasted with intellectual or legalistic approaches, emphasizing a deeper spiritual understanding.

Highlights

Jesus discusses the Pharisees' question on divorce and the interpretation of the Mosaic law.

Jesus emphasizes that marriage was created by God and is a union that should not be divided.

Jesus responds to the Pharisees' attempt to test him by referring to God's original intent for marriage from Genesis.

Jesus introduces a new interpretation of the law, stressing the permanence of marriage and equating divorce and remarriage to adultery.

Jesus highlights the importance of receiving the kingdom of God with the simplicity and receptivity of a child.

The story shows that Jesus places great value on children and uses them as an example for how to approach God’s kingdom.

The disciples turn away people bringing children to Jesus, but Jesus rebukes them and welcomes the children.

Jesus' teaching challenges societal norms both in his time and in modern contexts, particularly on controversial topics like divorce.

Jesus references Genesis, emphasizing the creation of male and female and their union in marriage.

The discussion brings attention to the broader theme of faith and how it is necessary to approach God with childlike simplicity.

The gospel reading emphasizes the contrast between intellectual legalism and the faith-driven approach Jesus advocates.

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees underscores his role as the authoritative teacher who interprets the law differently from traditional views.

The focus on children serves as a lesson for the disciples on how they should receive those who respond to their preaching.

The passage connects the themes of community and belonging, suggesting that we are all created in the image of God and should reflect this in our relationships.

The reading encourages listeners to apply the truths of the gospel to their daily lives, transforming faith into practical action.

Transcripts

welcome to the Center for Christian

spirituality and thank you for joining

us again today we are reflecting on the

gospel of the 27th Sunday ordinary of

the ordinary time year be and vite you

now to listen to the text leaving there

he came to the district of Judea and the

far side of the Jordan and again crowds

gathered round him and again he taught

them as his custom was some Pharisees

approached him and asked is it against

the law for a man to divorce his wife

they were testing him he answered them

what did Moses command you Moses allowed

us they said to draw up a writ of

dismissal and so to divorce then jesus

said to them it was because you were so

unteachable that he wrote this

commandment for you but from the

beginning of creation God made them male

and female that is why a man must leave

father and mother and the two become one

body they are no longer two therefore

but one body so then what God has United

man must not divide back in the house

the disciples questioned him again about

this and he said to them the man who

divorces his wife and marries another is

guilty of adultery against her and if a

woman divorces her husband and marries

another she is guilty of adultery two

people were bringing little children to

him for him to touch them

the disciples turned them away but when

Jesus saw this he was indignant and said

to them let the little children come to

me do not stop them for it is to such as

these

does the kingdom of God belongs I tell

you solemnly anyone who does not welcome

the kingdom of God like a little child

will never enter it then he put his arms

around him laid his hands

them and gave them his blessing just to

put the gospel in context we are now in

Robert what is called the journey to

Jerusalem after Peter has confessed that

Jesus is the Christ Jesus is now

teaching his disciples what that

actually means and this journey has in

it three predictions of the passion and

there's an order there that the

prediction of the patient is given the

disciples misunderstand and then Jesus

speaks to them about discipleship the

texts that we have here is after the

second prophecy of the passion where

Jesus unfolds more issues about what it

means to be his disciple and the first

question there is raised by the

Pharisees is it lawful for a man to

divorce his wife

in typical rabbinic argument jesus

answered their question with the

question what does Moses say and what

does the law say and they tell me what

the law says and then he responds and I

think the important thing about this

text before we actually get to the

divorce is the positive aspect of

marriage that did hit this has that

married is something that was created by

God it is a union that is to be greatly

respected and is from that that he draws

the conclusion it's likely that his

attitude of no divorce was not because

he would have preached it and that the

Pharisees in question him are trying to

bring out what they consider to be

contrary to the normal understanding of

the law and Jesus actually interprets

the law differently it's a bit like in

Matthew where Jesus says the law says

this but I say to you in other words

Jesus is becoming the authoritative

teacher of the Lord and he introduces a

new idea the idea of a doctrine that

previously if this Rick was given the

world wind would go off and marry it

and the man could marry again but now

he's suggesting a new principle that the

two cannot go off again that if they do

go off again then they are committing

adultery which is also in the law that

had not been apply in this way

so there's clear evidence that Jesus was

against divorce in Matthew we find an

accepted because of pineapple nya and

we're not quite sure what benaiah was

but clearly there was teaching over this

issue in the early church just as their

attention over this issue in our church

today the second aspect is not really

related to that but is to do with how to

approach the kingdom and his approach

the kingdom with the simplicity and the

receptivity that we find in children

that that is the way we are to relate

after the one who has come from the

Father and Jesus Jesus gesture of taking

the children in his bones

it's really a lesson to the disciples of

how they are to to receive those who

come to them in response to their

preaching this is the second time that

mark has talked about children the first

time was when he said that they were to

be the service of all and the servants

of children even who had the lowest

state in society so that that's the

context I think in which we were

thinking of it I'm so glad David

explained that grunting I was trying to

make a connection between the two and

thinking I'm really missing the point

here but I would like to just very

briefly comment what struck me about the

second one where he almost reused the

decided to say no no

those little one come to me and I think

being in education in our modern society

we think you have to be an expert we

think you have to be fully qualified and

but what are you saying there is unless

you have the attitude of a child yeah

you won't be able to access it so it's a

good reminder it's that and you do see

it in young children they they're very

happy to sit with the mystery of things

they don't need things explained away

it's the adults who even in the first

expression testy had to catch it

where is he saying it's the mystery of

the childhood sit it's beautiful I was

intrigued by the fact that they wouldn't

ask Jesus this question and I don't

think they knew the audience who they

were asking because Jesus came from a

situation where his father Joseph

contemplated divorce because of married

name recognition would have had a right

to that a right to that too the other

interesting thing I thought was the way

then Jesus responded by going back into

their own tradition and taking out a

couple of quotations from Genesis you

know the the importance or the

recognition that is not good for us to

be alone so there's something in that

relationship and our belonging to one

another exemplify two in the fact that

he he uses that from Genesis where it

says that all of us male and female are

created in the image and likeness of God

and I just thought they were two

beautiful ways to connect a teaching to

the question that was asked that is

complemented by the place of children in

that that unless we become like this

then we're missing or we're missing it

all that because of these legal are kind

of arguments and I think whereas the

Pharisees quoted the law Jesus

interprets the law that's ruled up with

authority that's right the only other

thing I just say David in Virginia is

that that's not an easy teaching in the

context of our society

and particularly with the recent no

we're not going to go there but I just

think it's it's just one of those things

that is confronting for us today but in

some ways it was as controversial in the

a charmed as it is today in a sense

though the Society of Jesus would have

agreed generally in with divorce based

on the law hmm

so it was just as shocking a teaching if

I can put it that way yes very well we

invite you now to look at the text just

see what it is that you draw out of the

text after you you've read it in order

and reflected on it

we invite you now to listen to the

reading again some Pharisees approached

him and asked is it against the law for

a man to divorce his wife they were

testing him he answered them what did

Moses command you Moses allowed us they

said to draw up a writ of dismissal and

so to divorce then jesus said to them it

was because you were so unteachable that

he wrote this commandment for you but

from the beginning of creation God made

them male and female this is why a man

must leave father and mother and the two

become one body they are no longer two

therefore but one body

so then what God has United man must not

divide back in the house the disciples

questioned him again about this and he

said to them the man who divorces his

wife and marries another is guilty of

adultery against her and if a woman

divorces her husband and marries another

she is guilty of adultery two people

were bringing little children to him for

him to touch them and the disciples turn

them away but when Jesus saw this he

said he was indignant and said to them

let the little children come to me do

not stop them for it is such as these

that the kingdom of God belongs

I tell you solemnly anyone who does not

welcome the kingdom of God like a little

child will never enter it then he put

his arms around them laid his hands on

them and gave them his blessing

thinking of what to do it occurred to me

that there are so much thinking about

things today and sometimes that sort of

obscures the necessity of faith but

basically I think what's being said

there that there's a certain acceptance

that needs to be a part of our faith and

while theology and research and

understanding our own important

sometimes we can get so caught up with

that that we forget that underlying

commitment of faith that all of this is

faith seeking understanding and so I

think just in my own work which often

does require intellectual things that I

just might reflect on those words of

faith seeing understanding and it's the

faith it needs to be the the basing and

foundation of what I'm doing and for me

it was resonating with the little

children being involved in Catholic

education I have to keep asking myself

are we extending hands of welcome to the

little children and letting them grow

gently quietly in the way they do as a

child and not to overpower them with

things beyond their understanding but to

embrace them it was the two things that

came from Jesus in going back to the

book of Genesis that sit with me that

the important that the fact that we

belong to one another first of all and

that we are all created in the image and

the likeness of God and perhaps what

does that mean for me in terms of the

way in which I relate and perhaps the

judgments that I'm prone to to to make

to in terms of others

so is this able to temper the way in

which I engage with others and think

about others

thank you the process of reading the

scriptures and it is a process it begins

with the truth that is in the text and

it concludes when that truth has become

a part of our life so invite you now to

look at the text again and to draw from

it something that you can apply to your

life in other words we haven't completed

our reading until we have applied it to

our life

welcome back we would invite you now

just to spend a moment in pray without

me you can do nothing says the law and

cinhal says I can do all things in him

who strengthens me so those are ask the

Lord to give us the strength and the

courage and the patience to to actually

implement the decision that we have made

thank you again for being with us we

hope you will join us again next week

and as we conclude we will just read

from the prayer of the 27th Sunday of

ordinary time and year be almighty

everliving God who in the abundance of

your kindness surpassed the merits and

the desires of those who entreat you

pour out your mercy upon us to pardon

what conscience dreads and to give what

prayer does not dare to ask through

Christ our Lord

you