I have been hearing a lot of buzz in the last few years about this issue of "why can't women be ordained as deacons?" First of all, I will begin by saying that I don't know the "legality" of that issue within the church, but I do know that so far it is something that the church will not do, and that decision is based on years of tradition and scriptural understanding (as far as I know.) That really isn't the issue to me. The issue is this: Why, women, is there this constant need to prove somehow that "if a man can do it, so can we"? Let's get over it, please! I mean, really. Think about it.
God made men and he made women. If there wasn't a difference, and if there didn't need to be, he would not have created two distinct genders. Some may say that he "had" to for reproductive purposes. Ok, fine. But he is GOD. HE created the reproductive process. If there didn't need to be a difference, he wouldn't have created us that way!
Secondly, let me bring in another perspective. Why is our role in the church not enough? Do you think that Mother Theresa didn't make a big enough impact because she wasn't a priest? Look at the long list of saints who are women who did amazing things for the kingdom. Look at the women in your parish who lead various ministries and teach in various capacities. Are they not influential because they aren't wearing a collar?
What it really boils down to, I think, is pride. It has become a "women's rights" issue that has only to do with certain women feeling that they have been cheated. It has nothing to do with a God given call or desire to be in priestly ministry. It has nothing to do with what is best for the communities. It has EVERYTHING to do with women feeling some sort of personal need to fill and official role of power. Not at all different than that of being CEO or President. The deaconate and the priesthood have become another leadership position that isn't "fair" because women can't be there.
Is it not enough that we are mothers? We are the nurturing ones in the community. We are those that are called on at this point for almost every aspect of ministry within our church communities. Look around you. Who really has the most influence in your parish on a day to day level? It isn't an issue of it being a "man's world". It is an issue of it being God's world, and he has given us each our differences so that we can be strong together. Men and women were meant to work in a way that is compatible and in a way that allows us to take advantages of each other's strengths. There are numerous communities of women religious throughout the world that need members. Join them, teach in a more active capacity in your parish or archdiocese. Get involved in Catholic Charities. Believe me, if what you are feeling is a "call" to dedicated lifelong ministry, there are PLENTY of places you can be where the difference you will make is huge.
Let's stop wasting time, money, and energy whining about what we "aren't allowed" to do, and start working in the capacity God intended for us so that we can be who he made us to be.
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