The Holy Prophet Obadiah (Abdias); the Holy Martyr Barlaam
Nativity Fast.
2 Corinthians 11:1-6; Luke 9:1-6
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-6
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Have you ever tried to dance with someone who either doesn’t know how to lead or refuses to be led? This is a recipe for incoordination and even some sore toes!
St. Paul is writing to the Corinthians, who have gladly received the good news of the proclamation of salvation “for all”- women, men, slaves and free and are now tempted to think that sexual distinctions and gender roles have been overcome and eradiated by the gospel. I would say this is an even easier temptation to fall into in our “gender-fluid” society which questions even the reality of sexual differentiation, let alone the roles that flow from it. St. Paul reminds us today that the father and husband has the responsibility of leading his family to Christ, a wife and mother of following his lead, and that both must direct their family in submission to Christ. This type of submission is demonstrated by Christ’s own submission to His Heavenly Father.
The Lord has established the differences between men and woman, along with the different roles in families and the Church. St. John Paul II, in his incredible “Theology of the Body,” explores the incredible implications of this “language of the body” which God has spoken into creation. We are all of equal dignity, made in God’s image and likeness, yet our God-given differences in roles are essential for the upbuilding of the Church and family.