5th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 9th February 2023 – Genesis 2,18-25; Mark 7,24-30
Open Relationship
In the first reading, God created a woman from the man as the man’s suitable partner. The man and the woman live in a right relationship with each other and with God. God realizes that Adam needs to be in relationship with other creatures. Therefore, Adam is given the right to name the animals. Naming implies a relationship with those named. Since none of the animals prove to be fitting companions to Adam, God creates a woman from part of Adam’s body. She is found to be, as Adam describes her, “bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh.” God blesses the union of man and woman. They not only enjoyed an open relationship with each other, but also with God. There was nothing that hindered them from a close relationship, not even clothing. It is only when sin will enter the picture that they will no longer be open with each other and have to cover their nakedness.
Adam and Eve began their life together with a faith relationship with God. Faith demands stepping out of one’s place, knowing that God wants what is best for each person and wants to be in a relationship with that person. The woman in the Gospel demonstrates this type of faith. Even though she is reluctant at first, she is willing to risk everything for the sake of her daughter’s good health. She has a firm belief that, through Jesus, her requests will be granted. She established an open and honest relationship with Jesus (respect, honour and firmness), which led to the healing of her daughter.
