Sunday, May 11, 2008

1Cor 11, 8-16 All things are from God

(1Cor 11, 8-16) All things are from God
[8] For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; [9] nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; [10] for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. [11] Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. [12] For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. [13] Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? [14] Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, [15] whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? [16] But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God.
(CCC 110) In order to discover the sacred authors' intention, the reader must take into account the conditions of their time and culture, the literary genres in use at that time, and the modes of feeling, speaking and narrating then current. "For the fact is that truth is differently presented and expressed in the various types of historical writing, in prophetical and poetical texts, and in other forms of literary expression" (DV 12 § 2). (CCC 127) The fourfold Gospel holds a unique place in the Church, as is evident both in the veneration which the liturgy accords it and in the surpassing attraction it has exercised on the saints at all times: “There is no doctrine which could be better, more precious and more splendid than the text of the Gospel. Behold and retain what our Lord and Master, Christ, has taught by his words and accomplished by his deeds” (St. Caesaria the Younger to St. Richildis and St. Radegunde: SCh 345, 480). “But above all it's the gospels that occupy my mind when I'm at prayer; my poor soul has so many needs, and yet this is the one thing needful. I'm always finding fresh lights there; hidden and enthralling meanings” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux, ms. autob. A 83v.).

No comments: