Mark 10:2-16
Proper 22 (27) - Year B
We all know about divorce between spouses. This is always difficult, even when it is needed. Abuse and apathy are never in order.
Lest we be diverted from larger questions by focusing on particular test cases such as marriage and divorce, let us also acknowledge other separations such as the nasty one of the disciples diverting or divorcing the children from Jesus.
If we take "children" to stand for all the lowest and unappreciated we can ask about who else the church is diverting from Jesus and how much the church is in need of chastisement from Jesus.
Might we think of it with those oriented toward their own gender? Is it with the poor and homeless, the lonely and lost? Is it with immigrants or the sick without insurance? Who would you add to the list of those the church separates from Jesus?
It is so easy to keep blessings from flowing. We simply need to cross our arms instead of extending them. Peace and loose limbs to you.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/october2003.html
To walk in my integrity implies an understanding of what has been joined to G*D and therefore is joined to me. It is easy to see good joined to G*D, not so easy to see evil having a connection. This is probably a function of our ability to see rather than G*D's experience of good and evil.
It is easy to see inherent relationships between lovers who find themselves in one another, not so easy to see divorce as a sacred event (only a state event). Yet, for integrity's sake, we find we cannot live only one side of an equation. What is being joined and separated in our living today? What is defined and named and to what are we still so blind we cannot see to name? This state of already and not-yet is the interface where we find the energy and experience of life.
May your helpmeet (experienced, whether legalized or not) assist you, with integrity, to both curse G*D and die, and come to yourself.
- - -
I wash my hands in innocence
again and again
I am washed away by life circumstance
again and again
my very same hand hugs my brother
again and again
that slaps my sister
again and again
so I define and define
again and again
and am in turn defined
again and again
until I cannot tell
again and again
truth from falsehood
again and again
and am joined to the cosmos
again and again
and divorced from myself
again and again
redeemed
again and again
gracious
again and again
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
"Hardness of heart" is a disconnect with creation. It is this disconnect that is behind the surface of divorce. Disconnect can happen in any relationship - one to one or one to many.
Here it is tempting to focus on the doctrine of marriage and divorce. More to the point is a look at the disciples and how they are disconnected from non-disciples - children and others overlooked by them. This become an entry point to growth for all of us - how are we doing with our disconnects?
Can you hear G*D, Jesus, creation blessing where we would not. Listen again, "The disciples spoke sternly to the children". Can you hear that as, "The disciples divorced themselves from the children". Listen again to Jesus, "Do not stop the children". Hear him say, "Do not divorce the children".
Which of your disconnects haven't yet eventuated in divorce, but will unless there is a change in your willingness to bless instead of restrict? It is time to get on with either stopping a disconnect and starting a larger blessing or to get on with a divorce?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html
It is important to identify your source of authority. Pharisees asked a question and Jesus began with their standard source — “according to Moses...”.
Given that we all operate out of a variety of authorities, depending on circumstance and need, it is always interesting to note which authority is standing behind your latest question.
Back to the story. Hearing a standard Pharisaical response, Jesus basically says, “I’ll see your Moses and raise you a Creation.”
Do jot out your best guess about another 3 interchanges between the Pharisees and Jesus. It is all too easy to stop with Jesus trumping the Pharisees and that’s the end of that so we’ll now turn to the disciples sometime later. Pause. How would the Pharisees have responded to Jesus attempt to predate their contract to replace it?
Now, for part two of the extended story. Can you see the brokenness of divorce resulting in two children crying after a disagreement? Yes it is hard words about divorce and adultery are recorded, but that is the emotional setting, not a doctrine. So what to do? Condemn them both to no community-recognized relationship commitment? Pick them up, like little children, wipe away their tears, and reclaim them as beloved of G*D? Something in between?
From a test comes an affirmation. See it under light and apply liberally. Repeat.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2012/10/mark-102-16.html