Christifidelis 49-52

     We continue our consideration of Pope St. John Paul II’s exhortation on the lay faithful, having recognized that people of every age have a unique part to play, we now turn to a consideration of the unique part played by each of us on account of our gender.  Sections 49-52 address, first of all, the important role of women in the Church and then of men and women together.  Why so many sections?  The synod fathers, and so following, the Holy Father go to great pains to emphasize the dignity of women in a Church where the ministerial priesthood, after the example of our Lord, is restricted to men.  But there must be a recognition of the biblical account of the important part women played in the life and ministry of our Lord, and also the critical part they play biblically and in our own lived experience in the life of the Church.

     Thus, we are challenged to recognize the equality in dignity even as we recognize the difference in roles of male and female within the Church and within the society that we are called to make over in the image of Christ, Whose body is the Church.  The complementarity of man and woman, male and female is thus recognized, honored as part of God’s divine wisdom, and then lived fully.  So…

   1.     Do I recognize, appreciate, and honor the unique and critical part played by the women in my life?  Do I see them and treat them with the equality in dignity with which God has created them?

   2.     Do I recognize the true dignity of the men in my life: not as “lord and ruler” but after the example of God’s own Fatherhood?

   3.     What can I do within my family and community to give greater recognition to this mystery thus encouraging the full and proper participation of each man and woman?

Challenge:  Spend some time in contemplation of how someone in your life has been a real example to you of Christian womanhood or manhood.  Pray for that person and thank them!