The first reading today is one of the most profound in all of Scripture – and is therefore the subject of much misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Unless one uses the filter of faith and the eyeglasses of "church-view" then it seems just a fantastic story – but with no real depth or meaning!
What amazes me is that just yesterday I had written a short theological piece on this very topic – the Spirit always gives me what I need when I need it! I suppose then the message of it is in part meant for you.
Now, follow me through this explanation – stay with me on this one: Scripturally we read that "God created man" – we read this today. God created "man," God created "Adam" – "Adam" means "man." But then it goes on to say that he created them "male" and "female." This "them" then still apparently refers to "the man" – the one "Adam." The complementarity of the sexes then, "maleness" and "femaleness" is but a manifestation of the single reality of being human: being "man," being "Adam," – in the theological usage of the term.
This is an enormously important concept and point of departure! For, in order to redeem both "males and female" Jesus would have to become both of us. Since he could not be born both male and female he was born simply "man" a composite of maleness and femaleness in the theological sense, and male in the biological sense. In this way females have equal status with males as far as redemption goes. Jesus identified with women not by being born a male, but by being born "man" in the theological sense. Thus we say in the creed: for us men and for our salvation he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary. The "men" is the theological umbrella term for the "male/female composite!" And which is it easier to say: "male/female composites" or simply "men!"
Thus we must be very careful in our rush for gender equality within the Church not to "throw out the theology with the bathwater!" Some things, of course, are subject to revision like the inclusiveness of women in certain ways – such as addressing scriptural letters to "brothers and sisters" and the like. But it is not a good idea – and it is tampering with thousands of years of theological revelation, development and underpinning to change the theological meaning of terms in prayers and proclamations of the church!
When we come inside the doors of our churches we must expect to see and hear things differently – or else why would we even come in here. It is here that we hear "ordinary" words used in "extraordinary" ways. Therefore, the words: "man" and "men" mean something different in here! May we always be willing to hear them and interpret them, in here, as prescribed by the church! So much richness, depth and comprehension is missing if we do not!
Even the words of the story about Jesus testing the woman's faith in the gospel passage today: by calling her a dog – is readily and easily understandable in the context of this church building. These words mean that Jesus is proclaiming that his gift of redemption is first for the Jewish people, but that they are also available for any who have faith – even the Gentiles. Thank God this is so: we are Gentiles: we are the dogs! In this context I would gladly be a puppy sleeping nightly at the feet of Jesus!
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls!
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