Gen 2:18-24; Ps 127 (128); Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16

Jesus’ words on repudiation are inserted between the second and third announcements of the passion and the resurrection. They also form part of the stringent requirements that the following of Christ crucified and Risen asks of us. The logic of the cross is that of a love that knows how to live handing over oneself; It asks us to continue to love even when we are put to the test. Jesus shifts his attention from the plan of the Law of Moses – on what is lawful or not lawful to do – to that of God’s original promise, inscribed in creation: «It is not good for man to be alone». The law refers to what we must do; Creation reveals what only God can do. For Jesus the prospect should therefore be reversed. More than questioning the conditions for which a man can repudiate his woman or woman his man, we ask to know how God can bring about unity, so that the two are truly one flesh. The Pharisees remain closed in an ethical and legal perspective; Jesus introduces us into a ‘ mystical ‘ perspective: to ensure that in the life of a man and a woman who love each other, we face the promise of God, with all his faithfulness and fruitfulness.

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey