Breaking the Word

5^th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 10^th February 2023 – Genesis 3,1-8; Mark 7,31-37

Renewed in Relationship

The first reading is the story of the “original sin”, which is not just the story of Eve and Adam, it is our story. Humans have not progressed as much from those first human beings. Their experiences and fall are reflected in our everyday adventures. When we are tempted, we give into sin rather than doing God’s will. The first sign of the sin being committed is their awareness of what it does to their relationship with each other and with God. In continuity with our “first parents” we are still being deceived by falsehood. We interpret and twist the truth according to our conveniences. We still fail to take full responsibility for our wrong doings. We still seek to cover up our mistakes. We still try to blame others for our transgressions. Yet, God is still a loving being, who seeks us out and desires to restore us to a renewed relationship.

In the Gospel, the healed man experiences the touch of Jesus. He leaves a hope that one can enjoy good health and forgiveness of Jesus, when we admit our mistakes.

5^th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 9^th 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.