Years ago, when I lived in the Bronx, I remember reading about a fire in one of the many high-rise apartment buildings in New York. A woman returning home realized that her small children were inside the burning building. No one was allowed near the place, but the mother broke the barrier and ran toward the entrance. Several firemen tried to stop her, but she fought them off and went inside in frantic search for her kids. Neither she nor them made it out alive.

Saint John Paul II, in “The Dignity and Vocation of Women”, points out the fact that several women were present at the foot of the Cross but only one male disciple. “In this most arduous test of faith and fidelity the women proved stronger than the Apostles. In this moment of danger, those who love much succeed in overcoming their fear.” (No. 15) These examples show what is perhaps the greatest distinctively feminine characteristic, devoted love to the particular individual person. This reflects the Imminence and Mercy of God, the latter the Pope called the greatest Divine Attribute in “Dives in Misericordia” (No. 13).

In Ephesians 5:21-33 the analogy of human marriage and the union of Jesus with His Church is made explicit. In this context St. John Paul writes that St. Paul confirms “the truth about the woman as bride. …It is she who receives love, in order to love in return. …the dignity of the woman is measured by the order of love.” (No. 29)

The Pope also states that there is “a special kind of ‘prophetism’ that belongs to women in their femininity. The analogy of the Bridegroom and the Bride speaks of the love in which every human being – man and woman – is loved by God in Christ. … it is precisely the woman – the bride – who manifests this truth to everyone.” (No. 29)

We will conclude our reflections next time.

Peace.
–Fr. Peter