freed of seven demons;Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward; Suzanna; and others, who
provided for them out of their own funds.
Reflect
New Testament scholars confirm that, in comparison with the literary works of the then times,
the gospels contain unusually high number of references to women. According to some
scholars, of all founders of religions and sects, Jesus is unique in his welcome and affirmation
of women. Jesus was humble enough to learn even from a pagan woman – the Syro-Phoenician
woman who reminded him that gentiles were not to be excluded from the mercy of God
(cf. Mt 15:27). In an age when the testimony of a woman was given only half the weightage of
that of a man, Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be apostle to the apostles, to be the first bearer
of the good news of his resurrection. Today’s gospel testifies to how women felt free and welcome
to be his followers. If Jesus welcomed men and women without any discrimination, our parishes,
faith communities, and homes must also become places where women play significant roles in
discipleship, evangelization, and leadership.
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