George Frederick Watts: The Magdalene at the Foot of the Cross
Luke 8:1-3: Ministering Women – Part I
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
A Favorite from September 6, 2008.
As the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest to settle her young, my home is by your altars, Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Psalm 84:4
This is the image – I believe – that God has for the women of the Church. hey are not to be servants of men, but servants with men – all servants of God. In today’s reflection, we see women serve Jesus described as equal to men as they can be in the context of the ancient Jewish world of Jesus. When we read the Gospel story we always see that Jesus shows no difference in his treatment of men and women; and he does, in fact, show great deference and respect to his mother and his other women companions.
In the Old Testament, Wisdom is always described with feminine pronouns. Happy the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue; she is more precious than corals, and none of your possessions can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor; her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace; she is s tree of life to those who grasp her, and one is happy who holds her fast. Proverbs 3:13-18
The part of women in the world is an old argument, one to be constantly revisited. Certainly in the current political and social turmoil of a run-up to a major election, we pause to re-think our views on a great number of topics; the role of women being thrust to center stage just recently. This brings an opportunity to re-visit our philosophy, to re-pray our intentions, and to re-enact our value set of what we believe to be the place of women in the tribes of God’s people.
Tomorrow, women versus men?
Image from: https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-magdalen-at-the-foot-of-the-cross-97322
The Noontimes 