I guess this can be called the sequel to the bulletin reflection/homily that was published on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
I have had the great experience of having a strong, intelligent and loving mother. I have the great experience of being married to a strong, intelligent and loving woman. I am proud that both of my daughters are equally strong, intelligent, and loving women.
The following is not meant to be a visceral response to the horrible treatment of Dr. Ford by the Republican senators of the Senate Judicial Committee and the subsequent public ridicule from the present occupant of the oval office. The following article is the result of a lifetime of wonderful, healthy relationships I have had not only with the females of my family, but with those with whom I have ministered in the Church.
Years ago, I was introduced to Jane Austen’s wonderful novel, Pride and Prejudice. The two protagonists of the novel, Elizabeth Bennett, and Mr. Darcy, are equal in spirit, in intelligence, and in tenacity. Mr. Darcy, possessing an inordinate amount of pride, has the freedom that males had at that time to make his fortune in the world. Miss Bennett is frustrated knowing that her future is dependent on being married to a man of wealth. It matters not that her future husband may be a completely unsuitable dotard. Darcy and Elizabeth, after much confrontation, find that they are the perfect match for each other, complete each other, and happily marry at the novel’s conclusion.
In the reading from Genesis, a couple of weeks ago, it was proclaimed that male and female are equally made in the image of God. One does not dominate the other. Both are equal. How does this impact our Church?
Prayer, whether it is prayed by male or female is equal in its power. Aside from the ministering of the sacraments, the ministry of both male and female in the Church is equal in its power to touch, to teach, and to heal the lives of others. Observe the number of women on our parish staff and the marvelous ways they enrich our parish. Observe the number of females who serve in our liturgical ministries at Mass. Within our Archdiocese, women are occupying positions of power and authority within the Chancery.
As Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett needed each other to be complete in Pride and Prejudice, so the evangelization and vitalization of the Church has always needed the Mary Magdalenes, Catherine of Siennas, and Teresa of Avilas. Speaking for myself, this is not the sole responsibility of a tired, old, male hierarchy. All who are baptized have been anointed priest, prophet and king. The Church needs the entirety of the baptized (male and female alike) to fulfill the mission entrusted to it by Christ! Mary Higgins, Laura Schoenecker, and others are offering wonderful opportunities for women to grow in their image of God. Our CCWs do vital and important ministry within our greater parish and need vitalized women of all ages to carry on the ministry begun so many years ago. I encourage all women to examine how they reflect the image of God, and how this reflection can be put to use in this very important mission of the Church.
