Okay, buckle up, because Fr. Simon is diving into some deep waters with a passage that tends to ruffle feathers and raise eyebrows—Ephesians 5:21-32. You know the one that talks about wives being subordinate to their husbands? Yeah, that one. But here’s the kicker: Fr. Simon points out that the phrase “wives should be subordinate to their husbands” isn’t even in the original Greek text! 🤯
Let’s break it down:
Lost in Translation?
The original Greek talks about hypotaso, which means to “be in good order” or “submit.” But this isn’t a one-way street. St. Paul says we should all be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. So, it’s not just about wives submitting to their husbands, but about mutual submission.
Mind-Blowing Revelation!
St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:4, where he says that not only does a wife yield her body to her husband, but a husband does the same to his wife. This was revolutionary at the time! Ancient folks would’ve been shocked to hear that a man’s body was under his wife’s authority. 🤯
It’s About Love, Not Power
When St. Paul says “as to the Lord,” he’s emphasizing that the submission isn’t about control or hierarchy. It’s a loving submission—one that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church. It’s not about obedience because “that’s what you have to do,” but because it’s rooted in love. ❤️
Shifting Perspectives
The idea that women should submit to their husbands wasn’t just a cultural norm—it was a legal requirement in the ancient world. But St. Paul flips the script by giving it a spiritual purpose. It’s not just “submit because you’re supposed to,” but submit in the hope of bringing your husband closer to Christ. This wasn’t just about keeping the peace at home; it was about spiritual growth and love.
A Modern-Day Challenge
Fr. Simon doesn’t shy away from connecting these ancient teachings to today’s issues. He talks about the growing disconnect between men and women, the reluctance to embrace life, and even touches on the devastating reality of abortion. Where is God in all of this? Fr. Simon asks. He challenges us to see how far we’ve strayed from the sacredness of life and relationships.
So, the next time you hear Ephesians 5, don’t just cringe at the word “submit.” Understand that it’s a call to mutual love and respect, rooted in our relationship with Christ. It’s about building each other up, not tearing each other down. 🙌
And there you have it—a passage that once caused discomfort might just become a profound reminder of what real, Christ-like love looks like. 🕊️
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