Apocryphal gospel sheds new light
by Robert McClory
Now that we know the ban on women from the priesthood is a matter of revelation, scholars are searching for some evidence of that indisputable fact. The Old and New Testaments provide no explicit help, but a little known apocryphal gospel, originally attributed to the second century monk, Felonius, may shed some light. Here is the crucial passage:
At that time Philip said to Jesus, "Master, we have observed that you treat women differently from those of our culture. You eat with them, talk with them, accept them as followers. So are women equal to men?"
"Truly, they are equal in all things," said Jesus. "Among my disciples, there are no distinctions based on race, ethnicity, country of origin or sex."
Whereupon Jesus thought a moment, then picked up a stick and began to write a codicil in the dust. "There is one exception," said the Master at last. "No woman is ever to preside at the Eucharistic meal held in my honor -- ever, ever, ever, under any circumstances. Is that clear?"
Thomas said, "But what if one of us 12 is not available? Could not a woman preside?"
"Absolutely not," said Jesus, "if a duly ordained male apostle is unavailable, then there will be no meal." Said Andrew, "in the light of your previous remarks, as well as your habitual attitude toward women, Master, this seems like a hard saying."
"Take it or leave it," replied Jesus. "If you wish any clarification on this, just ask Peter or one of his duly consecrated successors. Right, Peter?"
"Er, yes," said Peter, fingering his keys nervously, "there shall be no exceptions."
The text, said a Vatican source, clearly reveals the mind of Jesus and merits further study.
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