Just read an excellent essay by a Gay Catholic, Michael J. Bayly, who
is also editor of "The Progressive Catholic Voice"
(progressivecatholicvoice.org ), about The Archangel Michael's
potential as a patron saint for gay people. As a gay activist who
informs people about the mystical side of homosexuality (including
angelic concepts), I now want to share this quote from Bayly's blog:
--quote (
thewildreed.blogspot.com/2007/09/archangel-michael-as-gay-icon.html
):
The most visible champions of Roman Catholic orthodoxy have always
been portrayed as strongly and capably masculine, while beneath their
ermine robes there lingers the musky scent of homoerotic desire.
Whether they be pope, bishop, theologian, or saint, their shrill
clamors for sexual uprightness and doctrinal certitude go
hand-in-hand, bespeaking their own ambivalence and confusion. But
reality always shines through, and the cassock is sooner or later
revealed as the drag outfit that it truly is. It therefore makes
perfect sense that the angelic guardian of the Church of Rome should
be so sexually charged in his masculinity, but that he also carry a
suggestion of same-sex ardor and desire, of gender ambivalence and
erotic ambiguity....
From a catholic – that is, universal – perspective, Michael could
exemplify strength and firmness in the face of another evil, that of
homophobia. The sword-bearing, handsome archangel could be the one who
comes valiantly to our rescue. He could be our “shield of
righteousness” in our moments of adversity and rejection: Michael as
both defender and comforter.
Michael is also the favorite of the deity. In his role, he touches
upon, and could reflect, our privileged role and place as gay men in
the economy of salvation. In our identification with him, we also
become favorites of the divinity, despite our status as sexual
outcasts.
--end quote
--
Zeke Krahlin
http://www.gay-bible.org
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