"The two will be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24)
Today's psalm reminds us that "if we love one another, God remains in us." The readings invite us to respect life because ALL life is a gift from God. Hence, if all life is precious in the eyes of God, we should all love the life that manifests itself in our own lives and in the lives of others, be it our spouse, our children, our parents or members of the Church. Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J. prior Father General of the Jesuits recommended that we "remain in love" because our daily actions would depend on that. As we listen to the Word of God let us reflect on our way of staying in love.
Double reference is made to conjugal love: "the two will be one flesh." It is interesting to note that this quote, from the Book of Genesis, tells us that man is co-creator since he not only names each of the animals but also provides his rib for God to create his partner. Both are the same flesh and therefore both have the same rights and the same opportunities that are born of the love that is always capable of giving. When we lack love or we stop being in love, it is when we become filled with betrayals or life becomes a routine that stops filling our lives with joy and the lives of those we should love.
The accounts of the creation of the Book of Genesis help us to communicate that humanity has an intimate relationship with God from the very origins of creation since we have been created in his image and likeness. The complements between a man and woman is a reflection of the union of human beings with God their creator. From the beginning we are called to live in community and not to be isolated. We are called to be equal and not to feel superior. Hence, it is the love of God the Creator who has to govern all our interpersonal relationships and have us stay in His love. How different our world would be if we stayed in love. "Accepting the Kingdom of God as a child" (Mark 10:15), far from asking us to remain immature in our faith, ignorant in knowledge or blind in our obedience, invites us to return to that deep connection that comes from feeling that we are the sons and daughters of a God who loves us and has created us for love. In the same way that children are dependent on their parents and trust fully in their love, may our relationship with God and our brothers and sisters leads us to live the love of God in our lives.
Fr. Hernan, S.J.