This is certainly an interesting passage set forth not by Jesus himself but by Paul. I react strongly to it because I know from my mothers own mouth that the good parish Priests as much as told my her that she was not submissive enough when my father abused her. It was a horrible dynamic and undoubtedly one that some men would like to return to. All I can say is that "we've come a long way baby" and thank God for that! We have miles to go too before we rest. Our entire lives in fact should be devoted, especially now, to the liberation and love of all whether that be the marginalized of the LGBTQ community, women still used and abused or the objects of human trafficking. There are religions that still quote this passage as a means to subject women to men.
But the rest of this interesting too. For example, I do not think for a moment that Paul is legitimizing slavery as it is noted in this passage. Again, there are religions that abused scripture passages like this to support slavery when we fought against such an abominable institution in this very country. There were even Catholic theologians who, in their circular logic and rationalizations stated that native Americans and African americans did not even have souls because they were judged as 'not fully human'. Yikes. Horrific. Again, an abomination. God weeps.
What the passage does note in my mind is that we will always find ourselves in different and/or difficult situations in life even if that is simply being born. We must never justify situations as rightness simply because they exist. What the passage notes is that whatever situation we do find ourselves in, we must act out of love and be the best person we can be under those circumstances.
The Episcopal church thereby remembers many, many enslaved people as holy men and women because while slaves, they were exemplars of the Christian life. As God gave us intellect, a soul and feelings, empathy for example, we must use those tools to listen and advance the causes of the Spirit. The Paraclete, that Advocate is alive and well and trying ever so hard to help us advance to be the best humans we can be. We should be loving and shining examples of humanity as God created us to be, loving, faithful, caring and intelligent.
Let not the status quo be an excuse to justify something as right. Love as best you can but be an active agent of the Paraclete who advocates for love and all humanity, indeed, all of creation.
For always living in cooperation with God , no matter the circumstances, we pray.
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Conduct yourselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow-servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.’
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