Omitted texts - February 15, 2023

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144
Isa 63:15-64:9; 1 Tim. 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12

Looking at the assigned Daily Office readings during a week, you might notice that sometimes there are verses skipped, or that we jump around in a book or letter of Holy Scripture. That happens for us this week as we read the first letter to Timothy. There are portions omitted: 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 5:1-17; and 6:1-5. These excerpts reference hierarchical dynamics of women and slaves in the life of society and church.

While the second chapter of this Pauline letter says men ought to pray lifting up holy hands without anger or argument (v. 8), women should dress modestly and in suitable clothing, without finery like gold, pearls, or braided hair (v. 9). Rather than Paul’s characteristic writings about being justified by faith in God, here there is an emphasis on good works – described as learning in silence with full submission, and with no ability to teach or have authority over her husband, if she is to show proper reverence for God (v. 10-12). The writer gives this reasoning: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.” (v. 13-14) And the saving grace? It is through childbearing, so long as these women continue faithful living, with love, devotion, and modesty. (v. 15)

I am taken aback rereading verse 12: “I permit no woman to teach or have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.” There were women holding leadership and teaching positions in the early church. We know of some of these brave ones: Priscilla, Lydia, Phoebe, and others are mentioned. What happened to create this hard-lined letter? Who wore flashy earrings and contradicted the preacher last week!? It feels like an overcorrection, and the reasoning for the reform is flawed. According to the writer of this letter, salvation is to come from birthing children, rather than from faith in Jesus who lived, died, and rose again. Bible commentary contributor Margaret M. Mitchell writes that the scriptural backing for this assertion is a “strong reading of Genesis 2-3, assigning all the blame to the woman,” in direct contrast to the way Paul presents Genesis and the sinfulness of humankind in his letter to the Romans (5:12-21).

This omission of scripture in our Daily Office lectionary is much more compelling to me today than what is actually appointed for today. It challenges me to sit with uncomfortable scripture, listening for and wondering into the truth that God is calling each of us to hear today. I pray for those who read Holy Scripture to justify diminishing some voices around us. In doing so, the mystery of our religion is devalued. I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit can flow through each of us, deepening our faith and inspiring us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection:

What are the written and unwritten rules of being in a faith community? What backs them up? What purposes do they serve? If you could, which would you throw out and which would you keep?