As a response to the US Bishops’ Fortnight of Freedom, I’d like to offer an alternative. The liturgical calendar from 21 June through 4 July is filled with many fine men who gave their lives for the faith. I have no objection whatsoever to Thomas More, John Fisher, and other worthy martyrs.
My readers here know of my low opinion of the USCCB whining on religious freedom. I leave it to the same readers to determine if their stance on personal oppression does them well compared to the many women who suffered a good bit more at the hands of petty churchmen–both today and in the past.
Starting tomorrow, and continuing for the next two weeks, I’ll offer up daily reflections on good and holy women. I’ve enlisted the assistance of a few friends to guest-blog here and provide their own perspectives on women of worth. Hopefully we can observe their conduct in the face of freedoms denied and perhaps gain some needed perspective away from the current political tussles.
I suggest for your consideration a reflection on the worthy woman of Proverbs 31 penned by the inimitable Neil.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Acclaim her for the work of her hands,
and let her deeds praise her at the city gates. (Proverbs 31:30-31)
20 June 2012 at 10:15 am
I’m looking forward to your posts. There are lots of worthy women – in the history of the church and today – some of whom, as you know, have suffered under men in the church – and definitely some who have suffered under oppressive regimes.
20 June 2012 at 12:18 pm
May I suggest St. Teresa of Avila as one of the women who managed to push her reforms through in the face of substantial opposition from the Church in her time?