DIGNITY IS A TERM USED IN MORAL, ETHICAL AND LIFE DISCUSSIONS TO SIGNIFY THAT A BEING HAS AN INNATE RIGHT TO RESPECT AND ETHICAL TREATMENT. The English word 'dignity' comes from the Latin dignitas by way of French dignité.
In ordinary usage it denotes respect and status, and is often used to suggest that someone is not receiving a proper degree of respect. 1
Priests and Pastors are daily made aware of the plight girls and women face in their pursuit of dignity and respect in their daily lives.
The question in the moral sphere is thus; do women of their nature deserve respect? And if so, why?
Imago Dei
Both man and woman are made in the Image and Likeness of Almighty God. [Genesis 1;27]
As beings with the Imago Dei imprinted upon their souls, it follows through reason that the Imago Dei within both woman and man should be respected.
Thus, from the very beginning of the Holy Torah it has been made clear that both man and woman - created in the Image of God - are not only deserving of, but are to be accorded, deepest respect for their dignity granted through the Will and Plan of the Divine.
Women On Earth
A human woman was chosen by the Design of God to bear His Divinity within her frame, making her the earthly Ark of the Covenant.
The Book of Exodus tells us that the Holy Spirit of God overshadowed and then indwelled the Ark. The Ark thus became the symbolic dwelling place of the Presence of God upon earth. [Ex 40;34-35]
Mary of Nazareth, a member of the race of women on earth, was chosen for the sublime honour to be the New Ark of the Covenant. Her womb was chosen as the New Ark.
The Holy Spirit of God overshadowed and indwelled Mary. At that time Mary's womb became the dwelling place of the Full Presence of God [Luke 1;35].
Social Justice
Social Justice is 'justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within a society.'
Justice ensures that individuals both fulfil their societal roles and receive what is due from society. 2
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
They should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that no one shall be subjected to degrading treatment.
Vatican Councill II; Gaudium et Spes
The Vatican Council II Document Gaudium et Spes offers sound theological and moral guidance in matters that affect society.
Chapter II speaks of the Community of Humanity.
Gaudium et Spes Chapter II, 23 affirms that brotherly dialogue amongst humanity reaches perfection on the deeper level of interpersonal relationships.
These demand a mutual respect for the full spiritual dignity of the person.
Gaudium et Spes Chapter II, 24, tells us that God, Who has Fatherly Concern for everyone, has willed that all should constitute one family and treat one another in the spirit of brotherhood.
Love for God and neighbor is the first and greatest commandment.
Sacred Scripture teaches us that the love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbor:
"If there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'.... Love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law" (Rom. 13:9-10; cf. 1 John 4:20). 3
Why should Respect be shown for Women?
Why should respect be shown for women?
It is women who, through the personal suffering of childbirth, give birth to sons and daughters.
It is women who face the reality that they may not survive childbirth.
It is women who nourish their children.
It is women who put aside their own needs in order to nurture their children through to responsible adulthood.
It is women who stand by their children through their offspring's darkest hours.
Men also nourish and support their children; yet the contribution of women to the world cannot be overlooked.
God Himself has attested to the dignity of women in Genesis 1;27.
Women form part of the same human race from whose ranks the luminous New Ark of the Covenant, Mary of Nazareth, was chosen [Luke 1;35].
Social justice demands that women receive what is due from society.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that women are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The Universal Declaration further affirms that no one shall be subjected to degrading treatment.
Document Gaudium et Spes of the Church affirm that mutual respect for the full spiritual dignity of each person is demanded.
The Document further affirms that all should be treated in the spirit of brotherhood.
Love for one another as commanded by Jesus Christ is to be shown by all.
Teaching of St Issa
The Manuscript at Ladakh Monastery tells of the following words having been spoken by St Issa;
'Respect woman, for in her we see the mother of the universe, and all the truth of divine creation is to come through her...
In pain and suffering she brings you forth; in the sweat of her brow she watches over your growth, and until your death you cause her greatest anxieties...
Respect her, defend her... In so doing, you will gain for yourself her love, you will find favour before God, and for her sake many sins will be remitted to you...
Suffer her not to be humiliated, for by humiliating her you humiliate yourselves, and lose the sentiment of love, without which nothing can exist here on earth.' 4
Guidance
Respect for women is thus the guidance of the Torah, the New Testament, social justice, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the teachings of the Church.
The teachings of the Great St Issa affirmed the dignity of woman and her right to support and respect.
Women are thus not only worthy of - but fully entitled to - full respect.
Respect and Holiness in Speech
Let us teach our sons and daughters to respect each other in thought, word and actions.
Respect and holiness in speech is the great ideal.
Rev Catherine
1. Women of Dignity
http://www.catholicfamilyministries.com/index.php/women-of-dignity
2. Social Justice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
3. Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World; Gaudium et Spes
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
4. Teaching of St Issa in Module 10
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2012/05/module-10-jesus-missing-years.html
With thanks to Catholicfamilyministries.com/ Wikipedia/ Vatican.va
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