"From the Beginning it Was Not So"

Today's Mass Readings

From totally different perspectives, both the readings today call for fidelity. In the first reading the context is the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land in the second reading the context is marriage. In other words, whether it is our relationship with God or with people we love – they must be characterized by fidelity. Infidelity is not a recent phenomenon. From our reading of the history of the people of Israel, we know that fidelity was not their strong trait. When they found themselves in danger or in want of food, they did not hesitate to question God’s providence. They even worshipped a “god of their own hands.” Thus, it is understandable that as the people begin a new phase of their lives that Joshua remind them of God’s extended intervention on their behalf. Moreover, since the people who were about to enter the Promised Land were second generation Israelites, it was important to recall the history of God’s work among them.

Jesus is not totally off the mark when he reminds the Pharisees, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” This passage seems to indicate the infidelity had seeped into the very core of Israelite society – the family.

Jesus’ statement, “…but from the beginning it was not so,” is a crucial statement. Jesus hoped to take Israel back to God’s original design for humankind.

Infidelity is as rampant in our society as it was in the Israelite society. Yet we need not add fuel to the fire. In our relationship with God and with the people let us aim for fidelity – at all costs. To do so is to be like Jesus who was faithful to his Father and the task of redemption. It is in fidelity that we can take the world to “as it was in the beginning.” One aspect of fidelity is seeking and offering forgiveness.