As it often happens, when we are looking for one thing we tend to find another. I was searching through my paper files for an article about Marie-Antoinette by Father Charles-Roux. The article remained elusive, which is not surprising considering the state of my office; however, I found some notes for an essay I intended to write about fifteen years ago on head-coverings for women.
Most people are familiar with the injunction of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 11: 5,6, 13 for women to wear veils in church. It is interesting, however, to reflect upon other scriptural passages in which persons or things are covered out of reverence for God, beginning in the Old Testament. In ancient times, covering oneself, and especially hiding the face, was a sign of respect and obeisance. In Genesis 24:65 Rebecca covers herself at the approach of her bridegroom. In Exodus 34:33 Moses veils himself after beholding the glory of God. Exodus 36 describes in detail the curtains which were to veil the Holy of Holies. What was sacred was generally veiled. When I was a child, the tabernacles of Catholic churches were always veiled.
In II Kings 15:30 King David ascended the Mount of Olives weeping for his sins, barefoot like one in mourning, with his head covered so that no one could see him. In III Kings 19:13 Elias covers his face with his mantle at the manifestation of the power of God. Isaiah (6:2) describes the seraphim covering their faces with their wings before the Divine Majesty. Ezekiel 16:8 describes the spouse covering the bride with his garment.
The Navarre Bible footnotes present an interesting commentary on 1 Corinthians 11: 5-13. Women are to cover their heads as a sign that they have an important role in the Church, but one distinct from men. "Christian practice and profane custom show women's dress to be not unimportant.... Customs are a way of thinking. External comportment is important because it reflects people's inner dispositions." In our society, what is feminine is replaced by what is immodest and yet modesty and chastity are the greatest ornament of women. Head-coverings for women at Mass are part of an ancient tradition which the Apostle St. Paul encouraged in the new dispensation as a continuation of a sacred sign of bridal holiness and reverence. All women are to be brides at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
This is a wonderful post, especially considering the other examples of covering in the old Testament. This is something I should link to on my more flippant treatment of the same subject.
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Thank you, Terry. I thought your post was very interesting and relevant.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I also had posted on this some time ago, although without the scriptural references. Amazingly, though, I am continually coming across more scripture to support veiling. I think you captured this topic well.
ReplyDeleteSadly, in our society, women still have this abused idea of "equality" which has been redefined to mean "androdynous".
I often cover my head at Mass and during Adoration, and this practice actually has ALSO caused me to consider other clothing I wear when in the Lord's presence.
I pray that your post inspires more women to take up this devotion again and through it, come to better understand what it really means to be feminine and find their role in reference to God, not the misdefined cultural norms.
Thanks, Adoro. I think that the more we can all post on this topic the more we can hopefully inspire women to take up this venerable custom of Scripture and Tradition that was never abolished by the Church.
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