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and Honor© Long hair enhances the appearance of a woman and she spends much time taking care of her hair. The well groomed appearance of her hair gives her glory in the sight of others. Why is it then that women do not shield their glory in the presence of God? Do they not thereby reduce the honor and glory being given to him in his own house? This should not be one's desire when praying to him, or, when one is in his presence. Are not women who have their glory exposed calling attention to themselves? Are they not detracting from the glory intended to be given to God? 1st Corinthians 10:31 states: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."* At the end of the Eucharistic prayer said at Mass, the priest raises the paten and chalice with the consecrated bread and wine, the real presence of Jesus Christ, and sings or says the following: "Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, forever and ever."* All the people then respond, "Amen" which means, "I agree". St. Paul wrote the following at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 11), 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2 I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I handed them on to you.* Respect for God 3 But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. 4 Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. 5 But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not have her head veiled she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. 7 A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; 10 for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. 12 For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? 14 Does not nature itself teach you, that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, 15 whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given [her] for a covering? 16 But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God. NOTE: St. Paul is emphasizing that headdress is a matter of tradition, not of either law or custom. Tradition, as St. Paul appears to be using the term, is not enforceable. He has however made a strong case, to people living in faith, for showing reverence and respect to almighty God in this manner, i.e. for men not to have their heads covered while praying, and for women to have their heads covered while praying. This would reasonably include anytime one is in Church. It would also probably include times when one is formally present, confession for example, to one who is serving in Jesus' place, i.e. a canonically ordained priest, particularly a bishop or cleric of higher rank. It would probably not include a casual or routine presence to such person, or at such times when one is praying spontaneously during the day. For Men: Does the wearing of a hair piece (toupee, etc.) constitute the wearing of a head covering? Perhaps not; for one could consider that one is only substituting for that which is commonly present. Keep in mind however that being vain or showing pride before God should always be unthinkable, for he is the source of all that is good. It is perhaps for this reason, as much as for the reason St. Paul expressed, that men of faith do not cover their heads when formally communicating with God or when in his presence. For Women: It should be noted that in verses 5, 6 and 13 reference is specifically made to veils. The context seems to be that since hair gives glory to a woman, her glory should be totally shielded as a sign of humility when praying to God or when in his presence. Therefore it would seem that in order to be in keeping with the tradition of which St. Paul speaks, which began before the time of Christ and has been honored up until very recent years, a woman devoted to God would not wear anything on her head which might call attention to herself. Her headdress should be plain, it should be simple and without any frills. The concept is that any head covering which enhances a woman's appearance is inappropriate when in formal prayer with God, or when in his house or presence. Hats, other than perhaps simple sun shielding hats (with veil underneath), ornamental decorations, brightly colored or gaudy scarves and veils, or other attention getting head coverings should not be considered acceptable. Tokenism should also be avoided. The hair should be completely covered. One should not be only partially humble before God. Small, transparent or lacy mantillas and the like should be avoided. Scarves, shawls, cloches, turbans, saris and other simple head and hair coverings of neutral color could be considered acceptable. When appropriate headdress is not available, or until it is available, it is always best to at least give symbolic respect to God. Under these circumstances a handkerchief or other available item would be acceptable. He will understand what is sincerely in your heart. Do not avoid contact with God should nothing be available. Keep in mind that God individually created each person's soul. He also highly respects each and every aspect of his creation. He designed each one of us the way he wants us to be. He respects us so much that he allowed his only son to be crucified for our benefit. He did this that we might share eternal life with him forever. A bonus for continuing (reinstating for some) the headdress tradition is to be found in the continuance or renewal of the divinely established normal relationship between God and men and women. This tradition gives respect to the natural order of creation. It places responsibility for leadership where God intended it to be. Men are the natural leaders of, and providers for, the family. Women, and the children they bear, are the motivation for family relationships which prefigure the perfect relationships of Heaven. This divinely established order serves to promote the eternal kingdom. It also enhances the prospects for peace and harmony in this life. In the present age, when women have been given great freedom and many women have chosen to express their independence, there has been a great increase in cases of rape and other forms of personal assault upon them. The divorce rate has risen dramatically. Today fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. When there is a loss of natural order in society, value systems become greatly weakened. There has been a high increase in the crime of incest. There has also been a startling increase in all types of sexual perversion. It should be understood that when one part of a just established order goes out of balance, other parts gradually erode as well. One person's or group's perceived freedom when reached, even in part, often produces great real loss to other persons and even society as a whole. In declaring and exercising their independence, women have all but lost the natural protection which men previously gave them. If women would again acknowledge their natural place in society before God, men would again feel responsible for giving them the respect and protection which is justly due them in an ordered, God fearing society. One should keep in mind that while in the natural order man is woman's master, God is man's master. We should remember that each one's primary relationship is to God. The greatest commandment of all states, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Everyone's first responsibility is to God. Our obedience to God should always be first. Then and only then should we be obedient to lesser levels of authority. If this rule is kept in mind then there will not be any unjust or domineering type of authority forced upon anyone. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.
1991
Additionally one must be in conformance with the practice of due modesty. * Text from New American Bible, Revised Edition with emphasis by writer of leaflet.
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