Church of the
Annunciation

Earlier the crowd murmurs. Now the disciples murmur. They resist the teaching of Jesus giving bread as his flesh for the life of the world. Many return to their former way of life. Our English word “murmur” means “grumble” but it can also denote “an abnormal sound in the heart.” What is at play here is more than a rejection of a saying of Jesus. Some of the listeners are rejecting Jesus himself. It is a matter of the heart. Jesus says to the Twelve: “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter, speaking for the others, says: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Pope Benedict writes: “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” St. Paul writes difficult words to the Ephesians that are offensive to modern ears: “Wives should be subordinate to your husbands.” These words can only be understood when we appreciate the context of the text and the culture in which Paul lives and writes. Paul begins chapter 5 (v. 2a) by urging the believing community at Ephesus: “Brothers and sister: Live in love, as Christ loved you.” Our passage begins (v. 21): “Brothers and sisters: Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesus is part of the Roman Empire. Women and children are expected to be subordinate to husbands and fathers. St. Paul transforms the customary way of life by making Christ the model. Jesus says that men in the world make their authority felt. They “lord” it over others. But to his disciples Jesus says that it cannot be that way with you. If you wish to follow me you must become servants. For St. Paul, Jesus is an example for husbands. St. Paul writes that husbands must love their wives even as Christ loves the Church. Husbands must love their wives as their own bodies. Recall how Jesus treats women in the Gospels – with deep respect and dignity. Jesus includes women in prayer, in counsel and in mission. Mary of Magdala is the “first” apostle. She is sent by the Risen Lord to announce to the men that Jesus has been raised. Upon deeper reflection, the words of St. Paul to the Ephesians have meaning for us today – all who find life in Christ.