January 24: Ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi

Jeremiah 17:14-18a; Psalm 116:1-2; Galatians 3:23-28; Luke 10:1-9

If you don’t know Florence Li Tim-Oi’s story, go on line.  She was the first woman ordained a priest in the Anglican Communion (when the male priests had left or been targeted), but forced to refrain from functioning as one after the war.  She eventually moved to Canada and resumed her priestly duties.  Inspiring, frustrating: the Church in a nutshell.

Our readings reflect that duality.  We read Paul’s statement that in Christ there is neither male nor female (nor slave or free, for that matter), but we know that he also accommodated himself to both slavery and women’s silencing.  For centuries we’ve been reading this passage and explaining it away.

Today we can’t let it slide.  Today women’s rights and dignity are being threatened in ways we thought we were done with.  Russia’s government is preparing to decriminalize domestic violence.  The U.S. government is led by a man who grabs women’s crotches, calls it pussy, and gets away with it.  He has ordered a ban on all international aid that might possibly go for abortions, and a larger ban on family planning awaits.  The numbers of people trapped in slavery continue to rise.

And yet, Paul’s words are true and clear.  In Christ there is neither female nor male.  Or there’s both, and more.  In the kingdom of God, in the dream of the Holy One, we are a wide spectrum of beautiful children grown up to become heirs and stewards.  This is where we need to stand: not simply opposed to another’s agenda, though that follows from our stand, but rooted and grounded in Christ.

Thank you, Florence.  Thank you, Philadelphia Eleven and all that first generation.  Thank you, you who work for the dignity of all.  May you be blessed and strengthened to make the difference you dream of.