Sunday Reflection, October 8: Our responsibilities are God’s blessings

Today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/100806.shtml
Genesis 2: 18-24
Psalm 128
Hebrews 2: 9-11
Mark 10: 2-16

A friend I met here at CTU in Chicago is now living on my old stomping grounds of Georgetown University.  In fact, Zafer is a chaplain-in-residence in the same building I was when I had the position.  He recently sent me a postcard of Healy Hall, the quintessential college building complete with a clock tower.  Seeing the picture brought back many pleasant memories for me and helped me remember how blessed I was to have worked and studied there and to have met so many wonderful, close friends.

This Sunday’s scripture readings focus on blessings and responsibilities.  We learn about the creation of Eve in the first reading, recall our blessings in the Psalm, and are reminded of our responsibilities to one another when the Pharisees challenge Jesus on the validity of divorce.  At first glance, these readings appear to be speaking about the sacramental relationship of marriage.  However, a closer read demonstrates what it means to be in relationship with others, regardless of the type of bond.  We not only are to tend to our own needs, we are to show care and attention to others.  In essence, these readings show us our responsibilities are the real blessings in our lives.  The people for whom we are to care are the very companions—blessings from God—who will enrich our lives and support us.

When I was at Georgetown working on my master’s degree, I was tempted many times to focus my attention solely on my own needs.  I thought, if only I could spend more time on this subject, I could have a more thorough understanding of the topic or I could get a better grade.  Personal finances dictated otherwise for me, even forcing me to balance two part-time jobs at one point.  Admittedly, jealousy would get the better of me from time to time when I noticed my peers had extra support from outside sources, but I learned to see that I was being blessed in other ways.  My jobs led to companionship with students and colleagues.  These relationships turned out to be the real blessings in my life, not how much I learned in class or what grades I received.  Through my friendship with colleagues and connections with students, I was able to keep a healthy perspective and not take myself too seriously.  I helped them through my work, and they helped me in turn.  And I scored good grades in the process.
 
Just like what I learned through my experiences, Jesus’ comments about divorce in the Gospel teach us to be mindful of other people’s needs, too.  When the Pharisees question Jesus, they talk about how "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her."  Jesus rejects this statement, thus challenging the social condition that left women alone without much support at that time.  His response is a strong reminder that our own desires and wishes might be damaging to others if acted upon.  A person’s wish for divorce might have devastating effects on others in the family.  A person’s negligence in fulfilling their job responsibilities could leave another person without necessary support.  Our responsibilities for one another are not to be taken lightly, nor forgotten. 

Although our responsibility is great, we are reminded in today’s first reading that we are not alone.  In Genesis we learn that God did not stop creating companions for Adam until the perfect one was found.  The wild animals that roamed the earth and the birds that graced the sky were beautiful and life giving in themselves, but only another human person, Eve, could actually provide the companionship and support that Adam deserved.  The people we encounter on a daily basis are the blessings that help ease our personal burdens and responsibilities.  We are not alone.  Relationship with other people is vital to our happiness and survival.  Just like our responsibilities to our families, friends and colleagues that need to be fulfilled, so too do our own needs.  God joyously provides for us through our companions.  We are to be there for one another. 

As today’s Psalm reads, “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”

JoEllen Windau