Jesus Called Women

Gospel: Luke 8: 1-3

Today's Gospel names three among many women who followed Jesus from town to town just like the men Jesus called to follow him.  That these women are mentioned by name is itself significant, for it represents the fact that they were regarded highly as leaders in the early Christian community.  Their witness of faith they provide throughout the Gospels is indispensable.  

It is Elizabeth and Mary who are the first to be called and the first to believe amid skeptical men.  It is the Samaritan woman who is the first to proclaim Jesus to an entire town and bring them to faith in him.  It is Simon's mother-in-law who is the first to provide diaconal service to others.  And it is Mary Magdalene and these other women who alone remain at the cross and the first to preach the resurrection of Jesus to the others.

Today we are engaged in a conversation on the role of women in Church life and ministry.  As women are made in God's image and likeness and as they are temples of the Holy Spirit through grace, it is illogical to suggest they cannot be icons of Christ in service to the Church.  The central issue of church life in our time is access to sacramental life and whether we think it important for all people or only for a few.