Every time this verse is read in mass, I hear these or similar comments.
- "I bet your wife doesn't want you to include that in the readings."
- "Why did you read that part, isn’t that the optional bracketed text."
- "Surely, you don't think in today's world, women are inferior to men."
- "I would never get my wife to consider herself subject to me."
The reason this verse is a favorite is because the verse is
not about any of these ideas.
This passage does contain directions for a Christian
Family. But it is not instructions for wives;
it is an instruction to men. Throughout
the bible, it is stated that the husband must be the spiritual head and model
of worship for the family; but, Christ brought a new model.
To understand this verse, look at the beginning of the
passage. "And over all these put on
love, that is, the bond of perfection." (Col 3:14) This is the model the husband should follow.
This Christian husband is one that a Christian wife should have. The wife would love the husband and respect
him in the love that Christ teaches.
The husband must not be the dominant oppressive patriarch
with a stern unyielding rule. A loving family is absent the selfish power and
compulsion that will cripple and distort love. The family is to "Put on
then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience." (Col 3:12) To love is not easy, that maybe is why we fail
as Christians and why many families fail.
The family is where we learn to love.
Love is this where the family grows.
Maybe when we discuss this verse, we should look at Jesus
command - love others as you love yourself.
One ancient philosopher put it even more simply. Let us not impose on others we would not
impose on ourselves. So following Christ's directions it would also be husbands
subordinate to your wives, as is proper in the Lord.
The reason this is one my favorite verses is it teaches me
to be a better man.
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