Word to the Wise
Friday, September 19, 2014 - Friday in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Cor 15:12-20 and Luke 8:1-3]Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalen, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. [Luke]
It would be easy to let this snippet from the Gospel of Luke get past us without comment, but in fact it is very important. The three "synoptic" gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) all speak of a one-year public ministry by Jesus. Everything begins in Galilee and gradually expands. In the Gospel of Luke, this "expansion" would go to the whole known world at the time [Acts of the Apostles]. How was Jesus, along with the Twelve, able to live? People have to eat and find shelter! According to Luke, the ministry was sustained through the resources of certain women, at least. The Gospel of Luke is the most sympathetic of the gospels in its portrayal of Jesus' interaction with women. Recall yesterday's gospel of the woman washing his feeet with her tears!
The example reported today reminds us to give renewed consideration to the role of women in the Church. Pope Francis has noted that a whole new way of approaching this role is needed. Whether or not that would result in ordination of any kind remains to be seen, but at least some participation in governance may be anticipated. It is not sufficient to say, "Pray, pay and obey!" to the women of the Church. AMEN
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