Genesis 2:18-25; Psalm 127(128):1-5; Mark 7:24-30
The importance of words in Genesis can provoke some discussion - but here is one point of view at least. That removed from Adam to craft Woman, is called 'rib' when removed and 'bone' when used. The rib is a weak, curved thing, but when removed from man would make him lop-sided, unbalanced and incomplete. The bone suggests strength, support and someone to rely on - woman is not at all a weak, subordinate person but is complimentary of man. They become interdependent, and mankind at last finds joy - none of the rest of creation is sufficient. Both can confidently say "Flesh of my Flesh, Bone of my Bone"
Another woman is stage centre in today's Gospel - the Syro-Phonecian woman who is bold enough to challenge Jesus in intellectual combat - and she wins the life of her daughter back. Jesus shows that women are equal to the spiritual combat that life entails - not just here but elsewhere - for example the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4 8-14) and his conversations with the Marys.
