Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Genesis 2:18-24 | Psalm 128:1-6 | Hebrews 2:9-11 | Mark 10:2-16

Embracing Sacrifice and Commitment in a World of Consumption

The readings for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time call us to reflect on the sacred vocation of marriage and the deeper meaning of commitment. In a culture that often prioritizes personal satisfaction and consumption, Jesus’ teachings remind us that true love requires sacrifice. Genesis 2:24 reveals that marriage is not just a union of two people but a profound bond where "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Jesus further emphasizes in the Gospel, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mark 10:9). This divine command challenges us to move beyond a consumer mindset that treats relationships as disposable. Instead, we are called to embrace the self-giving love that marriage demands—a love that mirrors Christ’s own sacrificial love for the Church.

St. Teresa of Calcutta warned against the destructive effects of a self-centered culture, saying, "The greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself." This speaks to the broader issue of how our society's focus on personal convenience can undermine the sanctity of life and the deep sacrifices that true love requires. St. Augustine reminds us, "God is the best and most faithful provider of all; He wills that in marriage one be fruitful and many children be brought up in piety" (De Bono Coniugali).

How can we resist the consumer culture that promotes self-gratification and instead cultivate a spirit of sacrifice and commitment in our relationships?