Readings: 1 Cor. 15:12-20, Ps. 17:1,6-8,15, Luke 8:1-3
“And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities.” (Luke 8:1-2)
Today’s Gospel passage mentions that certain women accompanied Jesus during his missionary enterprise. These women were not simply part of the crowd; they played an important role in the success of Jesus’ ministry by providing for Jesus and his disciples out of their own means.
Without proper nutrition, it is difficult to do God’s work. No one can fast for a year and still have the energy to go from place to place spreading the Good News. In other words, no one can underestimate these women who provided for Jesus. They may have worked behind the scenes, but they were equally as important as the twelve apostles.
Apart from these women, Luke mentions that many others, including men, worked quietly in the background to ensure the success of Jesus’ mission. At the election of a replacement for Judas Iscariot, Peter said: “So one of the men who had accompanied us during the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22). Matthias was one of those who quietly assisted Jesus.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul explains that if Christ had not risen from the dead, then Christianity is a lie. In other words, the whole enterprise of our faith rests on the solid foundation that Christ died and rose from the dead. Interestingly, these women who accompanied Jesus were the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus. It is not coincidental that God wanted it this way.
Dear friends, in God’s vineyard, there is no need to look down on the function anyone plays. We all have different callings, but none is more important than the other. Albert Einstein said: “If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.” This is just an example of how roles could be different yet complementary. Everyone’s role is different, but we all need each other.
A priest who celebrates Mass is not more important than a nun who is unseen or unheard. Like the various parts of the human body, everyone plays their role for the common good. What would happen if our intestines decided to replace the hands? In terms of importance, we are all equal, but we cannot perform the same roles.
Some of these women who assisted Jesus had a dark past. Luke tells us that Jesus healed them of evil spirits and infirmities. Indeed, God does not call the qualified but qualifies those who make themselves available.
Writing to the Corinthians, St. Paul states: “For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Even St. Paul himself had a past.
Let us pray: Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Cor. 15:12-20, Ps. 17:1,6-8,15, Luke 8:1-3)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu