Sunday, August 21, 2016

Seek the kingdom of God and its justice.

1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verse 5-6

5 For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; 6 thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.

As Christians we are not wimps. We may at times to the untrained mind appear to because we do good for others and mirror the love of Christ; but we are not unadventurous. Christians cannot be bullied to act outside of their conscience. Peter here is reminding the first century Christians of this; especially women who for all intents are purposes were considered along the same lines as property.

Women Peter advices are to be subordinate to their husbands so as to win them over if they are not Christians by their love and their reverent and chaste behavior. Being sexy is the world’s view of beauty used in most of the popular songs of today but Peter advice's us to rather show the hidden character of the heart in a gentle and calm disposition (NO DRAMA QUEENS). Husbands and wives are to show honor to each other because you are joint heirs of the gift of life. Marriage is not an arrangement for mutual benefits.

Marriage is a noble commandment from God to love another; even if it hurts. Each chooses to love and honor the other even when it’s rejected; but do not be intimidated Peter advises; give love and do not give up. In a marriage there should be an air of freedom; for real love is a choice of the will rather than just a feeling and to choose one must be free. Never stop praying for each other remembering that consideration is a prerequisite of effective prayer.

Amoris Lætitia[1] Love in Marriage Love is not irritable or resentful (103-104)

Paul’s hymn spoke of the need for patience that does not immediately react harshly to the weaknesses and faults of others, the word he uses – paroxýnetai – has to do more with an interior indignation provoked by something from without. It refers to a violent reaction within, a hidden irritation that sets us on edge where others are concerned, as if they were troublesome or threatening and thus to be avoided. To nurture such interior hostility helps no one. It only causes hurt and alienation. Indignation is only healthy when it makes us react to a grave injustice; when it permeates our attitude towards others it is harmful. The Gospel tells us to look to the log in our own eye (cf. Mt 7:5). Christians cannot ignore the persistent admonition of God’s word not to nurture anger: “Do not be overcome by evil” (Rm 12:21). “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Gal 6:9). It is one thing to sense a sudden surge of hostility and another to give into it, letting it take root in our hearts: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). My advice is never to let the day end without making peace in the family. “And how am I going to make peace? By getting down on my knees? No! Just by a small gesture, a little something, and harmony within your family will be restored. Just a little caress, no words are necessary. But do not let the day end without making peace in your family.” Our first reaction when we are annoyed should be one of heartfelt blessing, asking God to bless, free and heal that person. “On the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Pet 3:9). If we must fight evil, so be it; but we must always say “no” to violence in the home.

[1] Pope Francis, Encyclical on Love.

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