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(6th October 2024) Homily for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

READ: (Gen 2: 18-24; Heb 2: 9-11; Mk 10: 2-16)

REFLECT: Let us not separate what God has united…

Dear friends, today we are in the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The liturgy of the word helps us find delight in unity than disunity, to find delight in what God has united in our lives. In the book of Genesis, we have the successive steps of creation of earth in the first chapter and see that God separates light from darkness, dry land and water land, earth from heaven, waters from above and waters below, seed bearing plants and fruit bearing trees with seed, day from night. We hear that God found it very Good and was well-pleased. We see here that God separated certain things at the time of creation for an order, harmony and coherence in the world. But we separate or divide the world to disorder, disharmony, chaos and confusion. Therefore separation to destruction is not the work of God rather us human beings; any separation that stems on earth, based on regions, religion, caste, color, creed and clan, it is purely because of our selfish motives.

Today one of the most alarming acts in our world is divorce, which creates havoc, division and peacelessness in the family. By experience and knowledge we all know that unity is strength but division is wrath; Unity takes a longer time but division a short time; Unity is great but division is least. Separating is like destroying the building and uniting is like constructing a building and giving it a beautiful shape and structure. There is a reminding proverb for all of us… united we stand divided we fall for union is always a strength. That’s why we say to people with one finger there is hardly a sound but with five fingers and with two hands joined there is a huge sound, a thunderous clap possible. So based on the liturgy of the word, I would like to share with you three points of reflection as to how we can created a world of unity, harmony and peace in  life.

1.     Divert the attitude of divorce

Diverting from divorce involves seeking ways and means to reconcile, restore, and strengthen the bond of union in marriage that’s established in and through the Sacrament of Marriage or Matrimony. We know that the Sacrament of Marriage or Matrimony is one of the seven sacraments. By the fact that the Sacrament has enlisted itself among seven sacraments shows the importance and significance of one’s unity with the Church in the Lord. Therefore, God has never intended that man and woman to be separate rather they live in union and harmony with one another. But today we see lots of cases on divorce. It is because of the lack of understanding for commitment to each other as spouse, failure to live by the marriage promises and failure to remain faithful to God by the vows that one publicly takes. So, divorce needs a diversion because divorce is not God made but man-made.

That’s  what similar concept we hear in the first reading that God did not want man to be alone therefore he created a co-partner to him, so that they live together, in union with each other, therefore a husband and wife called to be one flesh. In the Gospel reading of the day as well we read that divorce is not God made rather man made. That’s what Jesus says, for your hardness of heart Moses wrote this law otherwise God always wished male and female to be together and that’s why he created them for. The concern and care of God is what we see in the first reading that God wishes it is not good for man to be alone and thus creates a suitable helper to Adam to accompany and live along. In order to show that they are more closely united to each other, to show their bond of relationship, God takes a rib out of man and makes a woman. It shows their unity and inseparable nature.

Today, the sacred bond is broken in marriage by our affinity and association with others. We lose faith in God and lose the divine union established by God in us. The moment he or she divorces, they break the sacred unity that’s vowed before God in and through the Sacrament of Marriage and they no more remain faithful to each other. The reason why divorce takes place is because, they don’t understand each other; they don’t understand the significance of marriage and unity that involves and the faithfulness that involves with God and the spouse. There is no true and proper love shared in married life among spouse because, they are not united in single mind and heart according to the way of life chosen. We forget that we are one and look at each other differently. We feel empty and void and are not united with God, not united with the each other as husband and wife, not united with the family, not united with the community and united with the church. Let us understand that divorce is divisive. It divides what God has united. I am sure if each one of us understands the intention and purpose of God behind his creation, the world will be a place of unity and harmony to live and every family would be a happy family.

Today our approaches and attitudes need to be changed and be clear and true to avoid divorce and disunity in the family, society and church. We need an open and honest communication with God in prayer and with one another. We may have to go for professional counseling to obtain healing and relief from various stresses and unhealthy feelings. We need to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. We need to understand that we are not machines but human persons with vulnerability and give opportunities for repentance and renewal of life. We need to avoid negative influences that question our credibility of life as Married spouse, as religious and priests; we need to be patient and persistent in relationships, so that it lasts till the end. For all these we need to develop a healthy trust and genuine relationship with God and others. Let us pray that we divert the issue of divorce by seeking God in life and understanding others value in life and remain faithful to each other.

2.     Be proud to suffer for unity:

Suffering for the cause of unity although painful, it is a proud moment we could say and it gives one satisfaction and strength to continue leading and living life happily. Being proud to suffer for Christ manifests our endurance to go through hardships and difficulties for the sake of faith in Christ and nurturing our faith in Christ. Our participation in the suffering of Christ is the pure manifestation of our love for God and deeper manifestation of our faith in God as well. Therefore, as Christians we need to rejoice in the sufferings that we go through for Christ’s sake and for the Gospel’s sake, because God would give us rewards of eternal life in heaven. That’s what we see in the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews.

The Second reading presents to us that Jesus underwent suffering and death and was raised as a pioneer for our salvation. The reason why Christ suffered for us all was to unite us together with God the Father. We see here that God had a pure motive of uniting us with him although we run away from him by faults and flaws of life. The letter to the Hebrews makes a clear mention that Christ and we all have one and same origin, that is God. Yes, we have our origin and destiny in God. Without God, we cannot be anything and we cannot do anything. That’s what we see in the second reading, when the author says, “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin.” Yes, the one who sanctifies us all is Christ and the ones sanctified are we. We are all made saints or holy by the grace of God and have been set apart for Godly purpose, through the suffering and self-offering of God. Therefore, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters as we all have same origin and destiny in God.

But what desecrates us or makes us unholy is our disinterested nature of not getting closer to God or not accepting sufferings for Christ’s sake and give up faith easily when adversity knocks us down. We need to realize that by being happy and proud to suffer for the cause of unity and togetherness in the family, society and the world, we enhance the quality of Christian living and make Christ known everywhere. Most of the times, we grumble or complain “Why do I need to suffer for someone else and why not others for me?”  We need to realize that when we suffer for the good of someone or for common good, our reward is great in heaven, because we accept to undergo sufferings and hardships for the good of someone or something. I am sure that such acts are noble indeed and God would reward such persons for the broadmindedness and tolerance. Today, we all like to find a easy way out to escape sufferings for the good or bad, because we don’t wish to go through any suffering for any good. We feel for it and try the maximum to avoid suffering. Let us realize that there have been many, who have suffered and given life for the betterment of others in our world. St. Theresa of Kolkatha underwent disgrace and suffering for the good of the humanity and many more saints likewise. It is the heart of the good and generous people, who wished to contribute their share for the spread of the Gospel and faith in Christ. So what is our disposition to the sufferings that we go through for the sake of faith and Gospel of Christ?

Pope Francis very beautifully says, “In the face of suffering and pain, human beings can either withdraw within themselves to the point of despair or rebellion, or welcome it as an opportunity for growth and discernment of what really matters in life, to the point of an encounter with God.”  Yes, in times of suffering we are left with two options, whether to live in despair or to live in hope, trusting God and working on ways and means to grow in faith. Today, we need to understand that life is mixture of both suffering and joy. We need to accept and welcome both the aspect of life in the same way. Let us realize that suffering for Christ’s sake strengthens our faith; it stands out as higher purpose of living for Christ and his values; it is sharing in the glory of Christ; Let us ask for the grace that we may have the strength to bear all pains and loss for Christ’s sake and for the good of humanity.

3.     Live with a child-like attitudes:

Living life like a child or living with child-like attitudes would mean that one embraces joy and wonder in every moment of life. We all know by experience that children are naturally open minded, humble, find excitement in even the smallest things. The children are not worried about the future, but they fully live in the present. They remain authentic and they do nothing to impress or expose themselves to attract others, because they present as they are. They forgive easily and ready to include others willingly. They trust easily, do things spontaneously, take risks without fear and they are honest and true all the more. Perhaps, it is not a call to childish ways of living rather child-like ways of living in simplicity, humility, purity, trust and forgiveness.

If we observed keenly in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, Jesus has quoted many a time in the gospel that to the little ones the kingdom of God belongs. It is because of their nature and character. Today’s gospel reading is given an option (Mk 10: 2-12 or Mk 10: 2-16). I take for the reflection the second one Mk 10: 2-16, which ends with Jesus letting the children, come to Him. The Gospel reading of the day begins mentioning about divorce by Pharisees and Jesus gives them apt explanation that it was because of the hardness of their heart that the certificate of divorce was allowed by Moses. Otherwise, since the beginning there was no such act, because God created for a purpose of unity and togetherness of man and woman.  That’s why Jesus says that the husband and wife are no longer tow flesh but one, so what God has united no one shall separate. It speaks of the intention and purpose of man and woman in their married life to be together as one.

However, we see at the end of the Gospel Jesus telling the disciples not to prevent the little ones coming towards him but bless them and embrace them. I feel there is a connection here. Divorce between a husband and wife affects the child.  Husband, wife and children are called a unit of the family. The husband and wife might think that they are powerful but before this little child, it’s attitude and approach the parents are powerless because of the nature of the child so meek in character, so tender in touch, so gentle in nature, so innocent as dove, so pure in heart, so pleasant in smile and appearance and so flexible and spontaneous. So in a family if we are like children with the quality of meekness, tenderness, gentleness, purity, pleasantness and flexibility, readiness to accept and forgive, I am sure there will be no divorce and division in the family or in our world. So in what way we can inculcate in us the child-like attitudes and approaches is most important to us all.

I just remember a video that I watched in YouTube, where a Swiss guy, aged 28 by name Dean Schneider, who dedicates his life for the animal world and he is member of a lion pride in South Africa. He is a Swiss animal sanctuary founder. We could see him as one among the lions, living like them in everything, taking care of them and respecting them. It s difficult but he developed a good association with them and deals with them in such a way that the animal world feels that he is one among them and no more different from them. Such is the association and relationship we could see between both. Yes, if we want to be someone we like, we have to be and become one among them in nature and character. No one can match the qualities of a cute, innocent, ignorant, unpretentious child for its simplicity. The children’s character is heart-warming and always feels so happy and relaxed, when they are around us. Such is the power of their presence and character. Yes, by being with the children, we become like them in character. The Lord wishes that we in a family and as a family become like little children in our attitudes and approaches with humility and simplicity, forgiveness and tenderness. I am sure with such attitudes and approaches of children, there would be no divorce, division and disunity in the family.

RESPOND:

Do we divert the attitude of divorce by seeking God’s grace in our lives and being united with God, the family, society and the Church?

Do we feel proud to suffer for Christ’s sake and for the spread of the Gospel and accept suffering as part of life?

Do we live life with child-like attitudes to mature our faith in Christ and our way of life as followers of Christ?

Let us unite what God has joined by diverting the attitude of divorce by seeking God’s grace, feel proud to suffer for Christ and his people, live life with the child-like attitude in our lives to experience oneness and unity with God and others. Amen.

God bless us all… Live Jesus!