given birth to a child , she no longer remembers the pain , because of her joy that a child has been born into the world ”( Jn 16:21 ). Women have a unique and very visceral perspective on the fulfillment to be found in kenosis .
“ It is thus a loving wife ' s joy to serve her husband .” Alice von Hildebrand asserts “ we must keep in mind that in marriage , there is , in fact , mutual service .” 40 Joyful service invokes the gospel concept of kenosis . Her self-giving enables her to receive and bring forth the fullness of new life both physically and spiritually .
Alice von Hildebrand advocates restoring the dignity of service as a Christian virtue . “ Christians should rejoice to be God ' s servant ' s : they should consider it to be an honor to follow the One who said : ' I have come to this earth not to be served , but to serve .'( Mt 20:28 )” 41 Service is therefore not degrading . “ But if serving is properly understood , far from crippling a person , it will precisely nurture these traits in a person which have eternal resonance : charity , humility , patience .” 42
Every relationship requires forgiveness , especially in marriage , because “ the closer persons are to each other , the more likely they are to offend and even wound each other .” 43 Hildebrand holds that this is something for which women have a unique understanding , “ for her heart tells us eloquently that , on this earth , love which is the greatest source of happiness and joy , is linked to suffering , and because she places love first , she will inevitably accept to suffer with or for those she loves .” 44
40
Hildebrand , " Woman as Wife ," in Only Heroic Catholic Families Will Survive , 94 .
41
Ibid ., 97 .
42
Ibid .
43
Ibid ., 99 .
44
Ibid ., 101 .
16