Feb 24 and 24 Lectionary 344 and 345
Our Evangelists are saints who have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to
write about the words and deeds of Jesus. They used their natural talents
and creativity to start this new genre in the area of word media. How
grateful we should be for Mark who initiated the first Gospel. He was not
entirely alone on this venture, for he followd Peter the chosen leader of
the flock Jesus left behind after his death. Mark tried to write down what
he could from this first follower of Jesus, then gathered from other
traditions what he heard about Jesus. He had no writings per se to depend
upon; he was a self-starter. We first learn something about his composing a
gospel from a bishop named Papias from Hieropolis (Turkey). This author
told us that Mark : "When Mark became the interpreter of Peter, he wrote
down accurately whatever he remembered, though not in order, of the words
and deeds of the Lord. He was neither hearer nor follower of the Lord; but
such he was afterwards, as I say, of Peter, who had no intention of giving
a connected account of the sayings of the Lord, but adapted his
instructions as was necessary. Mark, then, made no mistake, but wrote
things down as he remembered them; and he made it his concern to omit
nothing that he had heard nor to falsify anything therein."
The section we hear today in the liturgical reading of the Gospel of Mark
is made up of those gatherings of Jesus' words and actions that Mark put
together in whatever way he thought best. At times they do seem to us a
bit disjointed, but he was not adding anything imaginary from his own
thoughts. Mark thus becomes a primary written source for the other
Evangelists and for thousands of students who have looked at and examined
carefully what he wrote. He will always be the first primary source for any
Gospel study that we undertake. He is our pointguard as well as our point
of departure.
Giving a drink of cold water in the name of Jesus or to one of Christ's
disciples is taken notice of by God. Scandals are a no!no! for any serious
committed Christian and children are to be treated with love and kindness
and never abused--for then the worst will happen to the abuser. Mark gives
us very strong statements about scandal. We are to caught off the member
that causes the scandal or whatever causes a disciple of Jesus to sin.
Eye, feet, tongue, etc. This may be Jesus' way of reversing the harsh "lex
talionis" of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. How to assimilate
what this all means demands of us to know something about the metaphoric
and strong use of images for the Semite in order to bring home a point of
ethical behavior with vigor and force. Psalm one in today's response is an
appropriate way of getting an insight into what this section of the Gospel
is all about. Psalm one leads us to behavior patterns that are elucidated
in the Beatitudes. The Psalm is thus a good complement to the Sermon on
the Mount about those who are blessed and to Mark's words about scandal and
proper behavior. Amen.
Scripture for Feb. 25th, Friday. Lectionary # 345: Sirach 6:5-17. Psalm
119: 12.16.18.27.34.35. Mark 10:1-12:
Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees on the issue of marriage and divorce.
This is a most burning issue then and in our times even moreso. Jesus is
asked whether a man is permitted to divorce his wife. We take note of the
patriarchal approach to the way the question is addressed to Jesus. Jesus
knew well their answer was according to the Mosaic law. He tells them it
was because of their hard heartedness. He then moves his answer back to
the beginnings of marriage as we have learned from the Genesis account of
the creation of Adam and Eve. There the ideal was positied by both the
Priestly account in chapter one as well as by the Yahwist tradition. All
was seen from God's point of view when it came to the union of man and
woman in marriage. Jesus then cites Genesis to offset their interpretation
thus going to the heart of the issue. The radical and more strict teaching
in Mark is that of Jesus. He would agree more with Shamai than Hillel who
permitted divorce even if a man found another woman more attractive or if
his wife burnt the meal she had prepared!
If we look at all of the citations in the Gospels and Paul on marriage we
would notice there are differences on how marriage and divorce are treated.
One could look also at Luke 16:18; Matthew 5:32; 19:19. I Cor. 7:10-16.
which would show some exceptions to what we read in Mark. Could it be that
the question Jesus was asked was framed by the many divorces of the
Herodian family? "The question concerns the legality of divorce, not the
grounds for divorce." (Daniel J. Harrington, S.J.). The Pharisees base
their opinion on divorce in the light of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Jesus offsets
that citation with Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 which indicates God's way of
looking at the issue.
The statement about "what God has joined together, man must not put
assunder" really applies not to a third person but to the husband according
to the meaning here in the Bible. On the other hand, one must not break up
a good marriage because of one's desire. What is signified is the unity of
life shared as one flesh as Genesis says, provided that it is good from the
beginning. Often marriages get off to a bad start either by immaturity for
this calling or by fear of breaking off an engagement when certain
signifcant signs have already manifested themselves.
This is a most difficult issue that is of great importance for counsellors,
confessors, and lawyers to be very sensitive about and aware of the
complexities involved. Training and knowledge is important for those who
assume the role of professional helpers.
Returning to the text of Mark, Vincent Taylor, who knew Mark thoroughly as
an exegete, said, "What is vital here is the ideal marriage advanced by
Jesus. His words should not be treated legalistically, as affirming
absolute indissolubility of marriage (the hardness of heart is still a
fact), but they do set the standard for the Christian; in particular cases
they need to be intepreted under the guidance of the Spirit." (See
R.McL.Wilson and Vincent Taylor, Peake's Commentary on the Bible, page
810). Amen.
posted by Fr. Bert SM at 2:48 PM
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