Bethune Catholic

Okay, there is much to say about this past weekend-however it will have to wait til tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a question for y'all. Below I linked to my article on CatholicExchange this morning. I received a question about it:

I wanted to ask if you could give me your interpretation of Ephesians 5 verse 33. It seems in this chapter that husbands are called to love their wives but it does not mention that wives are to love their husbands. Instead, verse 33 says that wives are to RESPECT their husbands. In your opinion, what do you think this means?

I am no scripture scholar. Here was my reply: (What say you all?)

Sometimes I think Paul is speaking only to the weakness of either sex. In other words, he is reminding even good husbands that they need to really love-because many men think it is enough to offer the socially expected things (note these are physical things not spiritual): protection, income, meat, etc. And in return he should be served. Paul says NO!: Husbands need to give love-his whole self-(including spiritual things to his wife).

On the other hand, women tend, by nature, to love their husbands (they give of their spirit readily), so they don't need that reminder. Thus Paul reminds wives that they also should serve-without nagging, that is with respect for the husband's role. In some marriages wives find ways to get their own way-not by force, but by denial or just making life for husband unpleasant through the food, bedroom, etc.: Paul is cautioning against this-this is a lack of respect for the husband and his role in the marriage. Wives should take respect the role of their husband in the marriage and not try to manipulate him. Each take on their role: wife as the heart of the home and husband as the head.

Comments?