Word to the Wise
Monday, April 21, 2025 - Octave of Easter - Mon
[Acts 2:14, 22-33 and Matt 28:8-15]"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he poured forth the promise of the Holy Spirit that he received from the Father, as you both see and hear." [Acts] Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." [Matthew]
The scripture from the Acts of the Apostles features Peter's preaching immediately after Pentecost!!! How did he find out about the resurrection originally? It was Mary Magdalene and companions who came running to announce the Good News. Mary Magdalene earned the title, "Apostle to the apostles!" in the early Church fathers. Whatever became of THAT tradition? The voices of women are still officially banned from the pulpit!
By virtue of our baptism, we are ALL called, male and female, to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection of the Lord. Pope Francis underlined this in his very first encyclical, "The Joy of the Gospel" He challenged us ALL to be "missionary disciples." The Acts of the Apostles notes in the account of the Pentecost event that the gathering of the disciples after Jesus' ascension included "some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." Were the women somehow excluded on Pentecost day? The account says "they were ALL in one place together." The joy of the resurrection is entrusted to all believers to proclaim. The fence around the pulpit needs to be reconsidered! The Good News is too important! AMEN