Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
________
First reading
James 5:9-12
The Judge is standing before the gates
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, so that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that you may not incur condemnation.
Commentary:
1. Avoiding Grumbling
James warns against complaining about one another, emphasizing that such behavior invites judgment and urging believers to foster patience and unity instead of discord
2. Example of the Prophets
He highlights the prophets as models of patience amid suffering, demonstrating that enduring hardship faithfully is a key aspect of living a righteous life
3. Perseverance of Job
Job’s story serves as an example of enduring faith under severe trials, with his ultimate restoration by God underscoring the divine compassion and mercy that follow steadfast perseverance
4. Integrity in Speech
James calls for honesty and straightforwardness in communication, stressing that believers' words should be reliable and truthful on their own
5. Practical Application of Faith
These instructions collectively emphasize the importance of living out one’s faith through actions and attitudes, with patience, perseverance, and integrity being essential qualities that reflect genuine faith in daily life
James 5:9-12 provides practical guidance for believers, urging them to avoid grumbling, emulate the patience of the prophets, persevere like Job, and maintain integrity in their speech. By doing so, they demonstrate a faith that is active and resilient, reflecting the character of God through their everyday actions and interactions. This passage encourages believers to live with patience, perseverance, and honesty, trusting in God's compassion and mercy through all circumstances.
________
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12
The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
________
Gospel Acclamation
see John 17:17b, 17a
Alleluia, alleluia.
Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth.
Alleluia, alleluia.
________
Gospel
Mark 10:1-12
What God has joined together, no human being must separate.
Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Commentary:
- Context and SettingJesus moves into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, attracting crowds as he teaches. This setting highlights his growing influence and the people's eagerness to hear his teachings.
- Testing by the PhariseesThe Pharisees approach Jesus with a question intended to trap him: whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. This question is designed to challenge his authority and to potentially place him in conflict with Mosaic Law or popular opinion.
- Reference to Mosaic LawJesus responds by asking what Moses commanded, leading the Pharisees to reference the allowance for divorce provided in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This sets the stage for Jesus to contrast the provision in the Law with God’s original intent for marriage.
- Hardness of HeartJesus explains that the provision for divorce was given due to the hardness of people's hearts, indicating that it was a concession to human weakness rather than a reflection of God's ideal for marriage.
- God's Original Design for MarriageJesus emphasizes God's original design for marriage by citing Genesis, stating that from the beginning, God made humans male and female, and intended for a man and woman to be united as one flesh. He underscores the permanence of this union, declaring that what God has joined together, no one should separate.
- Further Clarification to DisciplesIn a private setting, the disciples seek further clarification. Jesus reinforces his teaching by stating that divorcing and remarrying constitutes adultery. This applies to both men and women, highlighting the mutual responsibility in marriage.
Mark 10:1-12 addresses the topic of divorce and marriage, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of the marital union as intended by God. Jesus' teaching elevates the standard of marriage above the concessions made due to human hardness of heart, calling his followers to honor the original design and commitment of marriage. This passage underscores the seriousness with which marriage should be approached and the importance of faithfulness and integrity within this sacred covenant.
.
