Aug

(Sunday 27 OT B) Let No Man Put Asunder

angfrayle on August 29th, 2009

The theme of family is presented in the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B). With Jesus nearing Jerusalem, the cross also begins to loom. The discussion on divorce can also be seen under the perspective of Jesus’ challenge to his disciples to deny themselves, carry one’s cross and follow him. A particular interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1 makes it somewhat easy to put down the yoke of marriage. What does Jesus say about this? Is the married life also an expression of carrying one’s cross and following Jesus? Is it also a way of being last and putting oneself at the service of all? Is it also a way of identifying oneself with Jesus and what he stands for?¹

Relevant Articles

Guide to the Reading of the Text

The gospel reading for this Sunday will have a longer and a shorter version. The longer version will include Mark 10:13-16 which we discuss in the following pages:

We will concentrate on Jesus teaching on divorce (Mark 10:1-12). But first a note on the articles referred to under “Relevant Articles”.

The article “Parallel Texts, Textual Resonances and the Liturgy” shows how one’s participation in the liturgy actually enhances the way one understands a gospel passage like Mark 10:1-12 with all the textual resonances it already has. On the 27th Sunday of OT (B), the Marcan section on Jesus’ teaching on divorce is paired with Gen. 2: 18-14 which is one of the passages Jesus quotes in presenting his arguments about God’s original intention in marriage.

The article entitled “Jesus On Divorce” is an explanation of Mark 10:1-12 with emphasis on its historical background. There one finds materials relevant to marriage and divorce in first century Palestine, the “theology” behind Jesus’ allegation that the precept of divorce was due to “the hardness of hearts” and some notes on the composition itself of Mark 10:1-9 and vv. 10-12.

The Longer and Shorter Reading. The longer gospel reading is constituted by Mark 10:1-16 which can be easily divided into the following parts:

1-9 The controversy with the Pharisees
10-12 Catechetical instruction in the house
13-16 Jesus blesses the children

One immediately notes certain “breaks” in the section. In v. 1 we are told that Jesus is in the regions of Judea across the Jordan. (and therefore has left the house in Caphernaum — see the previous narrative on “True Greatness”). But then we are told in v. 10 that he is back “in the house once more” and it is there where he gives further instruction on divorce and remarriage to his disciples. Finally, in v. 13 there is a change in actors: some unidentified people bring in children. This latter gives us the impression that while Jesus is talking to his disciples, some people arrive with their children and cause distraction, something that the disciples resented. The “breaks” in the narrative created by a change of place (v. 10) and change of actors (v. 13) helps us divide the text according to the outline shown above. Despite these “breaks”, there is however a continuity in theme — that of the household.

The shorter reading concentrates on just the question of divorce and remarriage and leaves out the children.

The Question on Divorce and Remarriage. Following the general outline created above, create a more detailed outline. After reading the article entitled “Jesus On Divorce” and the one on “Parallel Texts, Textual Resonances and the Liturgy” you should now be able to answer the following questions:

1. Was it difficult to get a divorce during the time of Jesus?
2. Which of the two rabbinic schools mentioned do you suppose was more popular on the subject of divorce? Which gender was favored by the practise of divorce?
3. How does Jesus respond to the question of the Pharisees? (Based on the detailed outline you created, identify the steps of Jesus’ arguments.) Which bible texts does Jesus use to prove his point?

Back in the house, Jesus continues to instruct the disciples on the question of divorce. In the article “Jesus On Divorce” we also provide a sample of a bill of divorce. It begins with the declaration “Behold, you have become available to anyone .” It is the declaration that the woman is being released for remarriage. This is followed by a strong declaration of repudiation and dismissal. What is Jesus’ view on this practise?

In verse 12, Jesus says that his rule also applies to women who divorce their husbands. This statement already reflects changed conditions. While in Palestine only the men can divorce, in the Gentile world, the women can divorce their husbands. Here we find the rule of Jesus applied to converts with a Gentile background.

Comparing the Readings

We have discussed the relationship of Gen. 2:18-14 with Mark 10:1-12 in the article cited above (“Parallel Texts, Textual Resonances …”). We can add to this the use of Psalm 128 which is a blessing on the family. Hebrews 2:9-11 has an altogether different theme: that of the Son’s solidarity with the men whom he was not ashamed to call “brothers”.

Suggestions for the Lesson

The theme of the family readily comes to mind, given the first and gospel readings. The following uses of Mark 10:1-12 in the Catechism should provide materials for a homily or a catechetical lesson on the subject (just run your mouse over the CCC references to read the relevant paragraphs):

10:8
- CCC 1627
10:9
- CCC 1639
- CCC 2364
- CCC 2382
10:11-12
- CCC 1650
10:11
- CCC 2380

Deuteronomy 24:1
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg LXX Hebrew

1If a man take a wife, and have her, and she find not favour in his eyes, for some uncleanness: he shall write a bill of divorce, and shall give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

Mark 10:1-12
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek

1And rising up from thence, he cometh into the coasts of Judea beyond the Jordan: and the multitudes flock to him again. And as he was accustomed, he taught them again.

2And the Pharisees coming to him asked him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

3But he answering, saith to them: What did Moses command you?

4Who said: Moses permitted to write a bill of divorce, and to put her away.

5To whom Jesus answering, said: Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you that precept.

6But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female.

7For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother; and shall cleave to his wife.

8And they two shall be in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh.

9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

10And in the house again his disciples asked him concerning the same thing.

11And he saith to them: Whosoever shall put away his wife and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12And if the wife shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Ephesians 5:21-32
View in: NAB NIV KJV NJB Vulg Greek

21Being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ.

22Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord:

23Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. He is the saviour of his body.

24Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things.

25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it:

26That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life:

27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any; such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.

28So also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself.

29For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the church:

30Because we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh.

32This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the church.