Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 6 Oct 2024
XXVII Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 2:18-24. Hebrews 2:9-11. Mark 10:2-16
All have one origin
Let us begin our reflection with words from the second reading: “He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them ‘brothers (and sisters).’” With these words, the author invites us to understand how Jesus identified himself with humankind.
- Unity in creation: “bone of my bones”
The first reading is taken from the second creation narrative of the book of Genesis. The Lord God, who sees everything as ‘good’ in the first narrative, sees the ‘separation’ or ‘loneliness’ of man as not good. He makes a helper for him. Man is made out of mud, while woman is made out of rib. Man and woman, mud and rib, softness and hardness complement each other. The Hebrew word for “rib” implies protection and equality, not dominance. This emphasizes the equal dignity of man and woman, bound together by love and respect. The “one flesh” also points to a deeper divine purpose, where marriage becomes a symbol of God’s love for humanity—unifying, life-giving, and mutual. The man is excited to see the helper woman and ‘clings’ on to her.
Three things are worth noting: (a) Though man has the matter of ‘mud’, and the woman has the matter of ‘mud-rib’, the origin of life comes from God. The origin of humankind is in God; (b) Since the man and the woman have the same flesh they can complement each other; and (c) Before the woman was made, the man was with God, and when he was asleep, God was with the woman. Thus, the existential vacuum of loneliness can and will be filled by God alone. That’s the reason Saint Augustine writes, “Our hearts are made for you, O Lord; they are restless until they find their rest in you.”
The word “one flesh” signifies not just physical unity but a profound spiritual and emotional bond.
Today, social divisions such as caste, gender, and ethnicity often challenge unity, this teaching on the shared origin of humanity speaks powerfully. The Church must be a witness to equality and mutual respect, standing against discrimination, and promoting the inherent dignity of every person. Marriages, in particular, should model this unity and serve as communities of love and service.
- Christ’s solidarity with humanity: “All have one origin”
In the second reading, we read that Jesus, the one who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified “all have one origin”. Christ, through His suffering and death, became one with us to bring many to salvation. The word “brothers and sisters” used here underscores the familial bond Jesus shares with all of humanity. His solidarity breaks down every wall of division.
The Greek word “origin” (arche) refers not just to the beginning but to a shared foundation. Christ became our brother, sharing in our nature and suffering, to restore our communion with God. His Incarnation affirms the sanctity of human life and the dignity of every person, regardless of background.
Our faith communities should reflect this inclusivity, ensuring that all feel welcomed and valued as members of one family in Christ.
- Marriage and the childlike spirit: “Let the children come to me.”
The gospel reading is divided into two sections: In the first part Jesus exhorts on divorce, while in the second part he lets the children come to him. Jesus, by taking his audience to the Genesis accounts of creation – merging two into one – teaches about the indissolubility of marriage, reaffirming the original divine plan for unity between man and woman. His teaching is a corrective to the Mosaic teaching. He makes his audience see what unites man and woman rather than what divides them. Later he says, “Let the children come to me,” highlighting the need for a childlike openness to God’s kingdom. The protection of marriage and the dignity of children are central to the unity of the human family. Jesus places deep value on the innocence and openness of children. It contrasts the hardness of heart shown by those who challenge the permanence of marriage. A childlike spirit implies humility, trust, and a readiness to receive God’s love.
In a society where family life is under strain and children often face neglect or exploitation, this passage speaks to the need to protect the sanctity of marriage and the rights of children. In India, where family values are strong, the Church has a unique role in promoting healthy marriages that reflect God’s covenantal love, as well as advocating for the protection and care of children, especially the vulnerable. A childlike openness is also essential for our relationship with God—one marked by trust and humility.
What are the lessons for us?
(a) We are all equal in dignity and worth
All human beings are created with the same dignity, regardless of gender, background, or status. This teaches us to treat everyone with respect and equality. We are called to reject discrimination and build relationships based on mutual respect and love. Let us recognize the inherent dignity in every person we meet, and strive to foster a spirit of equality in your community, workplace, and home.
(b) We are called to solidarity and compassion
Jesus, by sharing in our humanity, calls us to stand in solidarity with one another. His example shows that we are meant to care for the weak, the marginalized, and those who suffer. Let us become a source of support and compassion for others, especially those who are less fortunate; let us recognize that their struggles are your own, as we all share the same human family.
(c) Let us celebrate our rootedness in the family
Today, the institution of marriage is becoming outdated. A lot of new forms of marriage are in the air: ‘same-sex marriage,’ ‘marriage with pets,’ ‘self-marriage,’ ‘living together,’ ‘contract marriage,’ and ‘single parenting.’ The infidelity in marriage, which was condemned earlier, now is treated as a ‘privacy’ or ‘freedom’ issue. Children have become unwanted ‘outcomes’ of marriage. Pets are preferred to children. The stories that we hear in the media bombard us with thoughts that marriage is not possible. Stories of celebrity and business tycoon divorces are shared to convince that any marriage will break. The couple must remember that without their permission no external force can break their marriage. We need to celebrate our rootedness in the family. Besides, let us not be judgemental towards the divorced.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm (cf. Ps 128) spells out the blessings that a man receives in the family and the society; the woman and the children are God’s gifts to him. The man receives five blessings: ‘fruitful or fertile wife,’ ‘promising children,’ ‘fame,’ ‘fruit of labour,’ and ‘health or well-being.’
‘May the Lord bless you from Zion!’ – let us wish each other with the same words of the Psalm. We have our origin in the Lord – the Lord alone!
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A reminder: Our Holy Father has announced that we observe 7 October ’24 (Monday) as the day of fasting and prayer for peace. May we experience internal and external peace.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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