Tag Archive for: women

Value Relativity

Armodoxy for Today: Value Relativity

The story of the “Widow’s Mite” which appears in the Gospels is fairly straight forward. In the Gospel of Mark we read, “Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two pennies.  So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.’” (12:41-44)

Much-much earlier than Margaret Mead’s research led to her teachings of Cultural Relativity, or Einstein’s calculations yielded him the Theories of Relativity, Jesus had made a case for value relativity. In this model, two-cents has a greater value than 10, 20 or 100 times that amount. The value of the offering, according to Jesus, is based on the person’s position and intention. “…For they all put in out of their abundance,” explained Jesus, “But she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Value relativity asks us to look beyond the intrinsic value of an object, call it monetary value, and look at the intentioned value of the object. This gets into muddy waters, because it is not ours to judge what a person’s intentions in their giving. Jesus may do so because of who He is, but not so with us, because our intentions are not always pure.

That being said, the other aspect of value relativity is the position of the person, in the case of the story she was a widow. In the times of Jesus, the legal and social status of women was determined by her husband. Widows could not possess property because their husband had died. After a husband’s death his widow could live in her father’s house if he was alive, or to an adult son if she had one.

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about Jesus passing through a city where a funeral is taking place. We read, “He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” (Luke 7:11-15) He stops the funeral and raises the dead son. Why did “He have compassion on her”? Because without her son, she would be indigent. She had lost her husband and now her only son.

While the story of the widow’s offering is a most important lesson in giving, and the sincerity in giving, for our purposes today, let us focus on value relativity. Knowing the background condition of those in pain, suffering, or in poverty, is essential to understanding our response to the pain of others. Throughout the New Testament, we see that the widows always receive special attention, it is because there is an understanding of their plight within that society and that day. Widows had no way to survive in that society without a man.

Armodoxy is built on the simple understanding that we approach one another with compassion and exercise compassion through our expressions of love. We refrain from judgment on others, rather we understand the background conditions that betray people to the evils they endure.

Let us pray, Lord, our God, give me the gift of understanding the pain and suffering of others. What may seem obvious on the outside may have no bearing on reality. Rather than judgement, may I opt for knowledge and understanding of the conditions that haunt my fellow brothers and sisters. And in understanding, may my heart be opened to express compassion to those in need. Help me, Lord. Amen.

Cover photo: Envato Elements

Appealing to Faith: Salvation & Empowerment

Next Step #540: International Day of the Girl (UN) sets the background for talk about empowerment, women and some of the
misrepresentations in church life. Mer Hooys: education on the road to empowerment. Abrahamic Traditions – the Faith and
the expression of an Imam on Jesus and Mary. A bit more on Aznavour. St. Francis and the blessing of animals
Mass for the Youth, Lusinyan and Nor Dzaghig
A New World: Abrahamic Faiths’ Hope for Salvation
A New World: This week’s presentation
The Imam’s Talk (and where to find the stream this week)
International Day of the Girl
Mer Hooys – House of Hope
Michelle Obama Global Alliance for Education
Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian on Female Deacons in the Armenian Church
Thriving Life Club
St. Francis of Assisi
Librarian’s Day in Armenia
Locomotive Breath (live)
Technical Director: Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

Connected Destinations

Next Step #471: Whether it’s a letter from Forest Lawn or a bridge that connects us to something on the other side… where are we going? Completing the 9th year of podcasting, we’re looking at destinations – the ends beyond the means. Forest Lawn: business lessons for the church. Physical decomposition vs. legacy. Irritant issues… women again… can be resolved via evolution. Making room for Jesus by clearing out the ego. Einstein & more…
Komidas’ Pontifical Anthem (no link- it is a digitized blaka)
On the ordination of women in the Armenian Church
Next Step on Women
Window Vol V, No. 3&4
Armenian Church National Meeting in Etchmiadzin
Supreme Spiritual Council
cf. w/Trump Cabinet
Problem of Evil at the Genocide
Bible Study on Forgiveness & Healing
Nahabed Melconian Book Premiere
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Subscribe to In His Shoes » Next Step with Fr. Vazken by Email
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand!

Extending a Hand to the Extended Hand

Next Step #355: Reaching for a hand – it can pick you up or you can pick him up – An Armodox look at the Passion of Jesus in terms that tie us to history and today. The 100 Souls project explained – Darfur, Artsakh, Syria, children, women and the homeless – commemorating the Centennial of the Genocide by stopping one now. Would you let this priest repair your brakes? Learning Brake Repair, Brain Surgery and God by reading?
Song: “Heyroor” Parik Nazarian from “Cycle of Life
100 Souls in His Shoes
100 Year Journey
InHisShoes.org
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Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for InHisShoes.org
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Listen via Stitcher Radio on demand! 

Women: The Non-Church Issue

Next Step #311 – May 22, 2014

A candid look at women in the Church, and outside of it. Going beyond the usual arguments, Fr. Vazken suggests we drop the apologies and engage in a new conversation, one of educating around the theme of equality. The Church cannot be limited to experiences in our immediate circumstances, nor can it be limited by the history that excludes one group or type of people from the entire body. Beyond traditional Christian communions, in protestant communities today (2014) the Bible cannot even be taught by women! The Church, as the Body of Christ, needs to be inclusive as is Christ.
Song: Amen Hayr Soorp, Yerevan Women’s Choir of Armenia
Women in the Armenian Church
Should Women teach Men the Bible?
Women’s Suffrage
Engineered by Ken Nalik
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com
Now on Stitcher Radio! 

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From Women to Reformation

Next Step #92 – March 11, 2010

 Beyond women in the church, here’s a look at the possibility of reform, through protest. The story of Seta Simonian – first woman acolyte of the Orthodox Church in America. The World Vision workers martyred in Pakistan are remembered. Letters from listeners and a “Letter to Hitler” all part of this mix. A call to action and reformation dominates the ending.
Song: “Change” by Tracy Chapman;
Bubbles by Ani: “Brothers”;
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net

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