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the community and avoid condemnation. Today, many would express that
the ordering described in our readings remains necessary to provide struc-
ture for our billion person Catholic Church. Others argue that it is not
relevant today to compare the love of Christ and his church to the love of
husband and wife. Regardless, we must caution judging the 1
st
Century
Church and it˅s writings through the lenses of our 21
st
Century glasses.
The important thing is that we appreciate the courage it took for our Early
Christian brothers and sisters to remain faithful as they accepted God˅s gift
of faith through Jesus Christ. The polytheistic, monarchical world of their
age was eager to persecute and ridicule those adhering to the Christian
faith. It is from this legacy of perseverance that we enjoy our Catholic
communion of faith today. For the courage and witness of these early be-
lievers, we must truly give thanks.
P
RAYER
Lord, we know that Your mission is self-revealing, creative and salvific.
May we always appreciate the traditions and roots of our faith and give
thanks for the examples of the faithful throughout Christian history. And,
may we always recognize the treasure of Your precious gift of faith.
Amen.
_______
A
NGELA
H
OWELL
Parishioner