I continue to really love this idea that what we praise, almost inevitably, is some element of "priesthood" - it's the self-offering, or the self-sacrifice it takes to endure amidst trial, that really elicits admiration, not the talent or achievement itself.
Come to think of it - absent the priestly flavor, the things we would have "praised" instead too often just call forth envy or resentment.
Hello, How does His priesthood draw men and women together, and what are the two forms of healthy shame you speak of?
I'm asking because as I work with a small group of 7th & 8th grade boys we have been exploring the significance of gender and the priesthood. Also, trying to relate the significance of(although mystical) of Melchizedek being king & priest in relation to Christ. This calls to mind the post about Christ being male not because masculinity is more divine than femininity, but rather because the Incarnation required specificity. This post also mentioned Mary's femaleness as significant in that she said 'yes,' to The Incarnation of Christ. Also mentioned was the three vocations we all fill as persons, regardless of gender, as icons of Christ; priest, king, and prophet.
I know that these are all woven together to point to the beautiful tapestry of our humanity in its fullest light, and a way to understand our true identity in communion with The Trinity and one another. As their is so much confusing concepts out there for our youth on the cusp of adulting, I am trying to make a connection for them to help them have a taste for truth, the goodness we were created in, and the beauty that surrounds them in the midst of a world of deception and darkness. Trying to simplify this for a didactic audience is no little task. Will you shed a little more light?
I continue to really love this idea that what we praise, almost inevitably, is some element of "priesthood" - it's the self-offering, or the self-sacrifice it takes to endure amidst trial, that really elicits admiration, not the talent or achievement itself.
Come to think of it - absent the priestly flavor, the things we would have "praised" instead too often just call forth envy or resentment.
Hello, How does His priesthood draw men and women together, and what are the two forms of healthy shame you speak of?
I'm asking because as I work with a small group of 7th & 8th grade boys we have been exploring the significance of gender and the priesthood. Also, trying to relate the significance of(although mystical) of Melchizedek being king & priest in relation to Christ. This calls to mind the post about Christ being male not because masculinity is more divine than femininity, but rather because the Incarnation required specificity. This post also mentioned Mary's femaleness as significant in that she said 'yes,' to The Incarnation of Christ. Also mentioned was the three vocations we all fill as persons, regardless of gender, as icons of Christ; priest, king, and prophet.
I know that these are all woven together to point to the beautiful tapestry of our humanity in its fullest light, and a way to understand our true identity in communion with The Trinity and one another. As their is so much confusing concepts out there for our youth on the cusp of adulting, I am trying to make a connection for them to help them have a taste for truth, the goodness we were created in, and the beauty that surrounds them in the midst of a world of deception and darkness. Trying to simplify this for a didactic audience is no little task. Will you shed a little more light?
Thank you for taking the time to consider.
Thank You, Valerie, for this. I may need a bit of time to compose my answer. In the meantime, May God bless those boys, and you for mentoring them.