Readings:
1 Corinthians 15:12 – 20
Luke 8:1- 3
Reflection:
The Women who accompanied Jesus
Somebody asked John Henry Newman who was a leading light in 19th Century England, why he spoke and wrote so much about the laity.
He is reputed to have replied, “Well, we would look pretty silly as a Church without them!” I think we could say very much the same thing about our women folk in the Church today. Without our earnest and dedicated women who do so much in our parishes to organise, to lead, to be the foot soldiers for all sorts of church and parish functions – we would be lost as a Church! Without their dedicated presence and active support, the Church today would be helpless!
Mao Tse Tung used to say that the women folk held up half of heaven! I don’t particularly espouse his philosophy, but as a commentator on human affairs, I can agree with him on that!
Luke notes in his Gospel that certain women, such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward, and Susanna – these were women who had been inspired, or healed and uplifted by Jesus during his ministry. They helped and contributed to the ministry of Jesus and his apostles along with several others.
Let us acknowledge and give our whole-hearted encouragement to all the ladies, old, young and of all kinds of social background who provide so much to our Parishes in many many ways.
They are secretaries, commentators, readers, lead retreats and days of recollection, and have significant roles in most Parishes, as well as in many dioceses too! They often inspire us menfolk to walk that extra mile, or to offer help, or just love a little better in our following of the Lord.
Hurray for our wonderful women parishioners!
Giltus Mathias CP, a Passionist at St. Brigid’s Marrickville.