The Word: "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Ephesians 5:21-33
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2.3.4-5 (R. 1a)
Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11:25
Gospel: Luke 13:18-21
Inspiration:
Beloved in Christ, greetings to you with God's choicest blessings upon you. In our reflection this morning we are going to bare our minds on the theme: "Submission " The term "Submission" is a complex and multifaceted concept, often misunderstood or misapplied.
Biblically, the concept is a Greek derivative ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō) meaning:
1. Voluntary yieldedness
2. Humble obedience
3. Respectful deference
4. Mutual consideration.
By application, it is Christ-centered; that is an invitation to submit oneself to God and others with its root in reverence to Christ, submission also entails mutual, voluntary and being respectful.
However, the Scripture has elaborate this concept in various ways such as:
1. Spiritual Submission (to God): (cf. Romans 12:1, James 4:7)
2. Interpersonal Submission (to others): (cf. Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)
3. Civic Submission (to authorities): (cf. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17)
The act of submission has never been a sign of weakness, loss of authority, blind obedience or hierarchical oppression as understood by many, rather it is virtuous act of obeying God through constituted authorities.
Today's table of the Word really made a remarkable reference to this virtuous act, exhorting us to a life of healthy submission, not only in wife-husband's relationship but also in leader-subject's relationship. That is, when there is a healthy Submission, there is bound to be: Respect of boundaries; it will foster equality; encourages open communication; and above all promotes unity and harmony. While unhealthy submission enhances abuses; suppresses individuality; fosters codependency; and Ignores consent.
In the light of this, we are being invited to be submissive to one another with reverence to Christ who is our Lord and Saviour. Let our lives be tailored towards humility no matter our ranks and files, for with this there is bound to be peaceful co-exitence devoid of chaos abd anarchy. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
O merciful Jesus, the humble servant who came to serve and not to be served, we thank You for the many blessings we have all received. Grant us we oray the grace to be submissive to You through constituted authorities devoid of rancour and pride. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 29102024
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