October 7 // 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Genesis 2:18-24
Responsorial Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Hebrews 2:9-11
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Our family recently buried a cousin who died at age 70 after 10 years suffering with PICTS disease. Her husband, the most patient person I have ever known said, “M. was never belligerent,” even though we all heard and saw her illness take over her attitude and behavior. Grace permeated her husband. At her funeral Mass, her brother choked up reading I Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient,” as he knew first hand his brother in law was a living saint.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus focuses on the unbreakable bond of ideal marriage where two become one. Many see that as erotic love plus warm, fuzzy feelings and comforting companionship. Not all spouses seem able to create and maintain such bliss. Do we quit? No. We pray for the grace of commitment supporting our decision to love no matter the obstacles. My cousin’s husband said, “This is what we signed up for, the whole package.”

Spouses in an ideal marriage consistently bring to light all that is fine in one another; they delight in one another, give, ask for and receive constructive criticism, and listen to one another with encouraging attention. They ask clarifying questions to better resonate with their partner’s experience. And when they fail they try again and try not to hold grudges.

Ideals are worth striving for even when our spouse seems disconnected.

Today’s Gospel invites much reflection on marriage and much prayer for those in difficult marriages and for those who are abused and for those who are abusive. As people of faith we try to speak and act with care, with love and do whatever it takes to protect our children and one another.

~Deni Mack, D. Min., Pastoral Associate