The role of women

20Sep
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him,as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
- Luke 8:1-3 


In today’s readings, Luke describes Jesus' journeys. “Soon afterwards, he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities.” The women provided for the group “out of their own resources.” The fact that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna were a part of the group and apparently financed the operation seems ordinary and unexceptional in today’s 2024 world. However, the fact that Jesus included women in his ministry was a radical statement shattering the customs and etiquette of the day.


When Mary, Joanna, and Susanna joined Jesus’s band of followers, women were primarily illiterate, separated from men in public and private life, and rarely left their homes. The daily prayers of Jewish men included a prayer of thanksgiving, “Praised be God that he has not created me a woman.” However, women infiltrated the world of Jesus over and over. Jesus ignored the codes of conduct by speaking to women, healing them, advising them, teaching women the scriptures, and refusing to see women as unworthy of forgiveness. I love the story of Mary and Martha which is found a few chapters over in Luke. Martha dutifully carried out the expected duties of a woman entertaining guests. Mary sits at Jesus’s feet, absorbing his words and teaching. When Martha complains that Mary should help out, Jesus tells Martha to take a break and confirms that Mary has “...chosen the better part.” (Luke 10:42). In her book, Jesus Feminist, Sarah Bessey speaks of the very inclusion I feel as a female Episcopalian. She states, “I’m through wasting my time with debates about women-should-do-this and women should-not-do-that boundaries. What an adventure in missing the point. These are the small, small arguments about a small, small god. Our big and good God is at work in the world, and we have been invited to participate fully - however God has gifted and equipped and called each of us.”


I am grateful that I grew up in the Episcopal church where women’s voices are valued and our spiritual gifts are recognized. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women, and today, 40% of Episcopal priests are women, and 30% of bishops are female. Talking to many women in the Episcopal Church, I find that we feel seen, heard, and invited into leadership positions. We are beginning to realize that Jesus extended the Kingdom of God to the women who walked with him on his journeys, including Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and many unnamed women. The same is offered to us today. 


Musical Reflection- Spiritu Sanctus - Hildegard of Bingen. St. Stanislav Girls' Choir


Gracious God we give you thanks for the gift of human life and for the variety of gifts you have given us to seek and serve you. Amen.

WomenKingdom of GodJourney

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