Readings: 1 Cor 15:12-20 and Lk 8: 1-3
The Gospel presented to us today for our reflection is simple and plain. There are neither theologically nuanced statements nor saying requiring a critical exegesis. The author plainly presents the people who accompanied Jesus in his mission of the proclamation of the kingdom of God. But there are certain elements that we can take for our personal reflection from today’s Gospel.
1. Luke clearly presents that along with the twelve, Jesus was accompanied by women ‘who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments.’ All the women who accompanied Jesus had experienced the immense mercy of God. After experiencing the immense mercy of God by way of healing, they decided to accompany Jesus so that this mercy may reach many others. One of the best ways to show gratitude to God for all the helps and mercy that we have received is to help to extend that mercy to others. If we have received mercy, we ought to co-operate with God’s work of extending that mercy to others. Mathew 18: 33, “Should you not have mercy on him as I had mercy on you.” Mathew 10: 8, “Freely you have received, freely give.”
2. An analysis of the women who accompanied Jesus would reveal that they are from very different backgrounds. Mary Magdalene is presented as one from whom seven devils were cast out. It reveals that Mary Magdalene had a dark past which is represented by the evangelist in the form of seven devils. On the other hand, we also find a woman of high social standing in the group: Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza. The stewardship in the court of Herod was a high official position and the steward even controlled financial affairs. Hence, Joanna, being the wife of such an important person would have been also looked upon with much respect by the society. This is in stark contrast to Mary Magdalene, who would have been even condemned by the society. But kingdom of God encompasses everyone, the high and the low, the respected and the condemned. All are bound together with the common interest of the proclamation and the propagation of the kingdom of God. In our endeavours to spread the message of the kingdom of God, we are also to have this inclusive vision and incorporate all. Jesus who could include a fisherman, a tax collector and a zealot together is our great example in this.
3. The Jewish society never took the testimony of women in a serious way. It is clear hence that the women who accompanied Jesus may not have been involved in the ministry of preaching and proclaiming. The evangelist, appreciating the work of these women, tells that they all contributed and provided for them out of their own resources. What they had and could offer, they put it at the disposal of the spread of the kingdom of God. I am reminded of the event of the multiplication of the bread. The little boy, the saviour of the situation, had just five loaves of bread and two fish. But when he put that at the disposal of Jesus, a wonderful miracle happened. These women give us a wonderful message of giving what we have, however trivial it may seem, at the disposal of the spread of God’s message. Jesus is able to make something very beautiful for his kingdom from the little that we have. 2 Corinthians 9: 7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” God looks at us today waiting us to give what we can offer to the Lord.
Thus, this small passage gives us a lot of points for reflection as far as our discipleship and vocation as Christians are concerned. The mercy and the miracles that we have experienced in our life should prompt us to reach out to others who are yet to experience this mercy. This calls us to co-operate with all those who are involved in this noble task. Kingdom of God consists of people from all social standing. There are no exclusive clubs in God’s mission field. And lastly, we may not be able to offer great things to the Lord but let us give to the Lord the little that we can offer realizing that God can work marvels through the little things that we offer.
(By Fr. Jerin Palatty SDB)