Romans 16:1-2
Women in the church. I suppose it all comes down to what church one is speaking of. Some denominations have been more faithful to true tradition and gospel teachings than others. A few days ago I quoted Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride who said "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” The role of women (or absence thereof) in some churches does not come down to misuse of words. They are not mistranslating a word like Inigo tells Vezzini.
Today's passage is short and sweet and it points to a great contradiction in the churches, Roman and otherwise, that fail to recognize the role of women, their abilities and gifts that God has so graced them with. It is that good'ol euro-centric male domination that has bastardized what once was open to women. If there is any question in today's passage, it is not that Phoebe was a deaconess of the early church, it is that she may have been more than a deaconess, perhaps a priest. What divine purpose is promulgated by the denial of a women's calling to serve God in any manner GOD sees fit to call her? Who are these staunch defenders of pseudo tradition?
Although the new Pope, Frances might have us think their are wholesale changes afoot, it was all too recently that good Sister (servants) were called on the carpet for not kowtowing to the whims and desires of what the men want them to do or be limited to. The scene is appalling and an affront to God.
Today the Episcopal church remembers Deaconess (and missionary) Harriet Bedell. Harriett was called by God, responded and her call was recognized. If I may be permitted to say so, her service far exceeds the cushy lives most priests and bishops live in their stately McMansions.
It is an oddity and horribly ironic that a church that seems to elevate Jesus' mother to almost deity status denies the broad spectrum of gifts women have to offer. Yet, in that church they are relegated to submissive roles or bound to the kitchen with children. While many women serve God joyfully and excel in the roles they have been limited to, the denial of anyone's abilities is nothing short of sinful, misguided and patently not based on God's intent, word or tradition. There is no denying there was a Phoebe and yet there can no longer be any new Phoebe's. How demoralizing, sad and sinful.
It is this kind of demoralization and subjugation that gave rise to women's rights, the suffrage movement and the movement for rights, recognition and equal pay that continues today. If we truly look at the role Mary, Martha, Phoebe and Harriett and countless others who played vital roles in spreading and living the Gospel of Christ, we would have melted hearts such that we would embrace all God's gifts and callings, no matter who has received it..
Today's passage is short and sweet and it points to a great contradiction in the churches, Roman and otherwise, that fail to recognize the role of women, their abilities and gifts that God has so graced them with. It is that good'ol euro-centric male domination that has bastardized what once was open to women. If there is any question in today's passage, it is not that Phoebe was a deaconess of the early church, it is that she may have been more than a deaconess, perhaps a priest. What divine purpose is promulgated by the denial of a women's calling to serve God in any manner GOD sees fit to call her? Who are these staunch defenders of pseudo tradition?
Although the new Pope, Frances might have us think their are wholesale changes afoot, it was all too recently that good Sister (servants) were called on the carpet for not kowtowing to the whims and desires of what the men want them to do or be limited to. The scene is appalling and an affront to God.
Today the Episcopal church remembers Deaconess (and missionary) Harriet Bedell. Harriett was called by God, responded and her call was recognized. If I may be permitted to say so, her service far exceeds the cushy lives most priests and bishops live in their stately McMansions.
It is an oddity and horribly ironic that a church that seems to elevate Jesus' mother to almost deity status denies the broad spectrum of gifts women have to offer. Yet, in that church they are relegated to submissive roles or bound to the kitchen with children. While many women serve God joyfully and excel in the roles they have been limited to, the denial of anyone's abilities is nothing short of sinful, misguided and patently not based on God's intent, word or tradition. There is no denying there was a Phoebe and yet there can no longer be any new Phoebe's. How demoralizing, sad and sinful.
It is this kind of demoralization and subjugation that gave rise to women's rights, the suffrage movement and the movement for rights, recognition and equal pay that continues today. If we truly look at the role Mary, Martha, Phoebe and Harriett and countless others who played vital roles in spreading and living the Gospel of Christ, we would have melted hearts such that we would embrace all God's gifts and callings, no matter who has received it..
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.
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