🙏 SUNDAY INSIGHTS - 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 🙏

First Reading - Genesis 2:18-24 

Second Reading - Hebrews 2:9-11

Gospel - Mark 10:2-16

The readings today invite us to reflect on the beauty and depth of relationships—particularly the relationship between man and woman, and the relationship between Christ and His people. These relationships reveal God’s plan for humanity, rooted in love, unity, and self-giving.

In the First Reading from Genesis, we hear the familiar story of the creation of woman. God says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” This is the first time in the creation story that something is said to be "not good." God, who created the world in perfection, recognizes that Adam is incomplete on his own. And so, He creates a suitable partner for him—a woman, taken from his side. The creation of Eve symbolizes the intimate union between man and woman. Eve is not created from Adam’s head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be beneath him, but from his side—close to his heart—so that they may be companions, equals, and partners in life. 

This passage reveals the fundamental truth about marriage: it is a relationship of love, mutual support, and unity. The man and woman become "one flesh," symbolizing not just a physical union but an emotional, spiritual, and life-giving bond. This unity mirrors God's own desire for relationship with us. Just as Adam and Eve are created to be in union with one another, so too are we created to be in union with God. 

In the Second Reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that Jesus, the Son of God, became one of us, taking on our human nature to redeem us. The passage tells us that “He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin.” Jesus, by becoming human, shares in our sufferings and experiences. He did not remain distant but drew close to us, becoming our brother in the fullest sense. This is a profound expression of God’s love for us. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus sanctifies us and brings us into union with God. In this way, Christ's relationship with humanity is the ultimate expression of self-giving love, a model for all of our relationships, particularly in marriage.

In the Gospel, the Pharisees challenge Jesus with a question about divorce. They want to know if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife, according to the law of Moses. But Jesus, instead of focusing on the legal aspects, takes them back to the original plan of God, to the creation story in Genesis. He reminds them that from the beginning, God’s intention was for man and woman to be united as one flesh in a lifelong, faithful relationship. He says, "What God has joined together, let no one separate." 

Jesus’ teaching on marriage goes beyond the legalism of the Pharisees and reveals the deeper truth about marriage: it is a sacred covenant, a reflection of God’s love. The bond between husband and wife is meant to be a mirror of the unbreakable bond between God and His people. In this context, divorce represents a breaking of that bond, which is why Jesus teaches that marriage is meant to be indissoluble.

The Gospel also includes a beautiful moment where Jesus blesses the children. The disciples try to prevent the children from approaching Him, but Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Let the little children come to me." This is significant because Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children—humble, trusting, and open-hearted. In the context of marriage and relationships, this childlike openness is essential. To have a strong, loving relationship—whether in marriage, family, or friendship—we must approach one another with humility, trust, and a willingness to give of ourselves.

Dear friends, today’s readings remind us of the sacredness of relationships. Whether it is in marriage, in our families, or in our relationship with God, we are called to live in love, unity, and faithfulness. Marriage, in particular, is not just a legal contract but a covenant rooted in the love of God. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to put the other first, just as Christ did for us. 

Let us also remember that our relationships are meant to reflect God’s love in the world. We are called to be living witnesses of His love, whether in marriage, in our families, or in our friendships. May we approach each other with the humility, trust, and openness that Jesus calls us to, and may our lives be a reflection of the love and unity that we see in today’s readings. Amen.