Adam's Rib

By FATHER MAURICE MOREAU, O.F.M. CAP.

The readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time call us to reflect on the value of relationships, and in particular of the marital bond.

In the first reading from the book of Genesis, the story of the creation of woman is recalled. The passage opens noting the importance of relationships. "The Lord said: 'It is not good for man to be alone.' " The passage implies that man by his very nature is called to be in relationship with others.

God's choice of the rib taken from Adam's side symbolically speaks of the equality of the partnership between man and woman. If men were meant to be superior to women, God would have taken the bone from Adam's foot to create Eve. If women were meant to be superior to men, God would have taken the bone from Adam's head to create Eve.

God chose neither the head nor the foot, but the rib, implying that man and woman are to be equal in their partnership and are to walk side by side through life.

The creation of woman implies the importance of the distinction of the roles between man and woman. While they are made of the same substance, flesh and bone, their form is different.

Man and woman form a partnership with distinct roles and characteristics. A mother is called to be a mother and a father is called to be a father. While in this day and age, many women and men are forced to function in the dual roles of mother and father, the roles are different. Our genders cause us to view the world from different perspectives. To blur this difference is only to minimize our view of the world. Whereas, when man and woman are united we gain clarity and completeness of vision.

Man's desire for woman is man's desire for completeness. The symbolic void of a missing rib is filled when man joins woman for the whole of life. What was lost is regained when man unites with woman is marriage. In relationships, what could not be accomplished physically, emotionally and spiritually alone, is realized.

Father Moreau is pastor of St. Joseph's parish in New Paltz.