Churching’ refers to a blessing that mothers were given following recovery from childbirth. After remaining at home for 4-6 weeks after giving birth, the woman would go to church where she would thank God for the safe delivery of her child and receive a blessing from the priest.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Psalm 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18; Matthew 5:27-32
Summary
But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us (2 COR 4:7).
NABRE Commentary: “In earthen vessels”: the instruments God uses are human and fragile; some imagine small terracotta lamps in which light is carried. Me again: The Light of Christ is provided in these fragile vessels. The light is to be a cherished gift and the vessel (you) to be treated with great care. Women carry the light of Christ. They should be loved and cared for as precious as a terracotta lamp lit in the darkness of night.
Lust (Adultery) and Divorce are our topics today.
You have heard … But I say to you…
But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery (MT 5:28, 32).
Reflection
Lust/adultery and divorce are framed in our gospel portion today in regards to relation with women by men. In Jesus’ time, and in our time as well, how we treat women is direct evidence to the state of our soul – oriented toward the divine or oriented toward ourselves. Being self-aware is Jesus’ concern for us.
Generality
- Lust is evidence of how we think of women distant from us.
- Divorce is evidence of how we think of a woman closest to us.
Lust and divorce are reflex responses to the difficulties of life, the first and universal – maturity, the second – the troubles that come every day.
Perhaps our Saint today can help us.
The Three Lessons of Saint Anthony of Padua
- Have courage to face the ups and downs.
- Be concerned with the needs of others.
- Keep our feet solidly on the ground, fully trusting and depending on God.
Source: https://ffhl.org/three-lessons-we-can-learn-from-st-anthony-of-padua/
Personal Reflection
Once in confession many years ago I confessed to an instance of lust. My confessor, looked me straight in the eye and from his interior said, “You will struggle with this the rest of your life.” I was taken aback by his self-reflective comment somewhat given his age. He was very old. Beyond the age in my estimation that such a problem could even exist (Sorry! That’s what I thought about him).
But it is quite simple really. We will always struggle with the temptation to sin – whether a defect in maturity or a reflex to problems. So the priest is right to say, be on guard and always be self-aware.
Jesus gives us the deeper understanding. Rather than dissect these words with legal precision and canonical reference we can reduce the question to its basic level.
Turning the Page
- How do we consider woman, near and far?
- What bring us to the inferior understanding?
- What can elevate us to the divine understanding?
Be Kind
I kept faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted!” (PS 116:10). Here victim and victimizer must take hope. I said in my alarm, “All men are liars!” (PS 116:17). Here all must admit to the failing.
and yet…
The promises of the LORD are sure, silver refined in a crucible, silver purified seven times (PS 12:7). Here victim and victimizer must take hope.
Embrace the question with charity.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061325.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Beautiful reflection. It reminded me of the verse from the Manusmriti, A hindu Scripture-“Where women are honored, divinity flourishes.” Truly, women are sacred vessels of light and deserve to be cherished.” <3
Love it!