GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Marriage and Divorce; Children: Mk 10,1-16
We have seen that this episode is bounded by the comments made about the journey in 10,1 and 10,17. Yet there are two units within it and we will need to consider how they are connected.
Marriage and Divorce: 10,1-12
Reading through these verses we can see how this first unit is really Jesus' teaching about marriage though the setting is provided by the breakdown of marriage and divorce.
10,1 sets the scene. Where is Jesus? Who will be present during the controversy that follows? What will be the positive teaching of this episode?
In verse 2, what is unexpected about the appearance of the Pharisees here? For the Pharisees and their attitude to Jesus, take note of 3,6.
How does Jesus respond in verse 3? See Mt 19,4. What then happens in verse 4? See Deuteronomy 24,1-4.
For Jesus' first reaction in verse 5, see 3,5 and Ps 95,8. What is implied here?
Verses 6-9 then give the positive teaching of Jesus. See Genesis 1,27 and 2,24. How is Jesus getting round the quotation from Deuteronomy? We note Jesus' comment on Genesis in verse 9.
Verse 10 is unique to Mark but typical of him: see 4,10 and 7,17 for example. Or 9,28.
We can note that both the man and the woman are involved in verses 11 and 12. See (perhaps) 6,17.
Time now for my response.
Children and the Kingdom: 10,13-16
It is useful to reflect upon the connection with the preceeding scene, perhaps in light of 9,36-37
What is the attitude of the disciples in verse 13. How is this characteristic of them (see 9,38)?
We notice Jesus' reaction in verse 14, recorded only by Mark. How does he compare to his disciples? Again, there is the change to "little ones" as in 9,42.
Verse 15 is the teaching by Jesus. We can note its solemn introduction and the double emphasis in the verse (though the second is not always translated). Jesus could hardly make his point clearer.
Then in verse 16 we see how Jesus illustrates his teaching. See 9,36 and compare with Mt 19,14-15.
Now look at my response.
Sunday Gospel: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mk 10,2-16 forms the Gospel for the 27th Sunday. The complex geography of verse 1 is omitted. There is a shorter version which leaves out the teaching about children (10,13-16). That may be to increase the focus on the teaching about marriage. Even so, I think it would be better to keep that scene.
Not surprisingly therefore, the OT reading is Genesis 2,18-24 so no further comment is needed. Note though the omitted verse, Gen 2,25, and as usual read the whole story in the Bible (Gen 2,4-25).
We now move on to the encounter with the rich man and its follow-up, 10,17-31. This next scene may come after another travel notice but we will see a clear development from this teaching about children and the kingdom.