Women Power
MASSAGE, MESSIAH
September 17, 2020
JESUS AND WOMEN
September 18, 2020PITIK-BULAG: Women Power
When we think of the disciples of Jesus, we think of males who are accompanying Him wherever he goes. We seldom think of women doing an important role in supporting Jesus in His ministry. In a patriarchal society where women are considered second citizens or have no equal rights with men, the role of women is usually ignored. This was the sad situation of the women during the time of Jesus, where women were considered things or acquisitions, not as persons.
The gospel of Luke is also known as the Gospel of Women. Reading the whole gospel, we can easily recognize many beautiful and powerful stories that showcase the power of women and Jesus’ intimate dealings with women. How can we forget the mother-in-law of Peter who immediately SERVED Jesus and the disciples after being healed? (Luke 13:13). How can we forget the BRAVERY AND DEVOTION of an unknown woman who bathed the feet of Jesus with her tears and anointed His feet with ointment, and kissed them? (Luke 7:39). Or the HUGE FAITH of a woman who got healed by touching the clothes of Jesus? (Luke 8:44-45). Or the PERSISTENT widow who demanded her rights from an unjust judge? (Luke 18:1-8). Do you still remember the GENEROSITY of a widow who donated her everything in the treasury box? (Luke 21: 1-4). Or how can we forget the COMMITMENT of weeping women who accompanied Jesus in His final hours until death on the cross? (Luke 23 – 24). How can we forget Mary Magdalene as the FIRST WITNESS of resurrection? (Luke 24:1-11). And most of all, how can we forget Mary’s BIG LEAP OF FAITH OR HER FIAT when she gave her big YES to the grand plan of saving humanity? (Luke 1:38). The GOSPEL IS SHOUTING …there’s women power! And our Lord has recognized it.
Look a the present moment. Who dominates the Church leadership in our local churches? Who fills our Sundays and daily masses? Who are the usual frequent volunteers in any worthy cause? Who volunteers first? Who acts first? Who stays? In our Mission station, it is the women that dominate our pastoral council, our youth group, children’s group, chapel goers, Busog-Puso volunteers, and even our scholars. We cannot deny that without the women, our church ministry will be in peril. The church main strength comes from the love and dedication of women to the ministry.
In our gospel today, Luke highlighted the important role of the women in Jesus’ ministry. They were the silent workers and selfless supporters of Jesus. As an itinerant preacher, Jesus needed the material and emotional support from the women. The mere fact that the names of women like Mary Magdalene, Sussana, and Joanna were mentioned was already a way of honoring them in their selfless service to the Lord. Their service to the Lord was beyond question. Their deepest desire to serve the Lord was the result of their gratitude and generosity to Jesus who forgave their sins and healed them. They were simply moved and touched by the Words and deeds of Jesus. Their recognition of Jesus as their Lord and Master compelled them to use all their resources, including their treasure, time, and talent for the benefit of the gospel.
What about you? Do you recognize the important role of women in our church and society? Do you respect and honor them? Do you listen to their wisdom, insights, and opinions? Are you a believer in women’s power? During the time of Jesus, women were silent workers. In the present time, they are the major force of the Catholic Church. Let’s give the respect and honor they deserve. Let’s show our appreciation and love them for taking many of the dirty and thankless jobs in the Church.
– Fr. Willy M. Samson, SJ
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September 18, 2020 – Friday
Gospel Reading: Luke 8: 1-3
