REFLECTIONS TODAY

Perhaps we could rightly ask: “How would the Church be without women? How would family life be without mothers?” Despite the fact that Jesus’ twelve apostles were all men, it was also a fact that women collaborated in Jesus’ ministry and provided for his and his disciples’ need. Mary Magdalene and other women, indeed the mother of Jesus, followed him closely. And they would have been praying, too, for Jesus and his disciples. The Church and society are supported by women; without them, many of our tasks would be left unattended. Fortunately, whereas before, the role of women was very minimal, nowadays, they take on very important roles — even heads of states or governments. Still, so many of them are left on the sidelines and even abused and taken advantage of. The Church and civil society need to do more to protect the dignity and rights of women. Are we appreciative of the contributions of women in the Church and society, or do we continue to relegate them to secondary roles?

GOSPEL • LUKE 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.