We are ESSENTIALLY one (Thursday, Week 5, Year 1)

INTRODUCTION 

In the first reading, we have the story of the creation of woman as a helper to man. In the gospel reading, we have the story of Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician woman. In each story, there is a suppression of barriers and recognition of what binds us together which should be the basis of our relationship with one another.

REFLECTION 

The accounts of our creation and the creation of the world in general give us enough information on how we are to live, interact with others and with nature. The question we should be asking ourselves at every point in time especially when confusion arises is: HOW WAS IT IN THE BEGINNING?  

Gen. 2:18-25 is an account of the creation of woman described as “as a helper fit for man”. In the first place, man did not explicitly tell God that he needed a woman. God saw that there was a need for a woman because man was alone. Sometimes, it can be dangerous to be alone. Sometimes, one can even be helpless when alone. And this may be one of the reasons why God deemed it very necessary to create a woman, a helper suitable for the man. The rib which God took from the man to create the woman was not taken from the head or the feet of the man; but from his side, close to his heart. This singular act should communicate volumes of meaning to us.

After the creation of the woman, the man did not wake up to exclaim: “At last, I have got a house help, a slave, a working machine or an object to be used”. No! He rather exclaimed: ““This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; and this one shall be called a woman for she was taken out of man”. All in all, in the woman the man saw a part of himself; in the woman, the man saw something about himself; in the woman, he saw his essence – his very self.

The information above is clear enough to help us understand that there is no basis for unequal or unfair or dehumanizing treatment or abuse in any relationships or human interactions especially in the relationship of marriage. We are created to HELP and COMPLEMENT each other, not to devour or destroy each other. When we stop being too emphatic on differences, we will have more time to appreciate what holds or binds us together.

In Jesus’ interaction with a woman in Mark 7:24-30, it may appear to us as if Jesus was verbally abusive towards her. The woman in question was a Greek; a Syro-Phoenician by birth and a Gentile by race. When Jesus used a metaphor to point out the perceived differences existing between Jews and Gentiles, I am sure He was trying to understand how the woman would see herself and then help her emerge out of bondage imposed by divisive differences and profiling. When the woman was able to establish a common point of interaction despite the differences between them and the Jews, Jesus commended her faith.

As we live and interact, we encounter people of different backgrounds and orientations. These are obvious differences strong enough to make us appear as strangers to each other. We need FAITH and COMMON SENSE to know that we are ESSENTIALLY ONE despite the differences. And this should help us relate well; be of help to and complement one another. With this knowledge or reminder, we can change the narrative of violence, inhumanity and abuse in the world.   

Prayer:

When we are strongly tempted to act or speak in a dangerous manner on the basis of what divides us, Lord help us know that what binds us together is STRONGER than what divides us, Amen!

Have a beautiful day!