That amazing rebel Jesus! I should have been enough for the world to see what Scripture shows: women were the first witnesses to the Resurrection. To my mind, that alone is perhaps one of the first manifestations of the Spirit that women are to play a key and co-role in the Church ( and world ). But there were other telling signs and stories. Here we have Martha and Mary. I can almost picture Jesus answering like a line from The Brady Bunch, 'Martha, Martha, Martha' , The father gives gifts and opportunities to all and no one should be diminished or prevented from achieving their talents and callings. So basically, 'let Mary stay, she knows what is the most important'. Ouch.
Jesus stands up for women in the church, Jesus stands up against a long held paradigm of what is purported to be a 'women's role' in life. Jesus speaks up against following the norms and following societal beliefs here. He just is such an amazing rebel. How could you not love this guy?
In another striking example, Jesus speaks to a societally sinful Samaritan women at the well. Three strikes would be the rule for many to ward off this interaction. Woman? Samaritan? Multiple husbands and now living in sin? Jesus sees none of that or if he does, it does not seem to matter to him.
This is once again Pride month. Do we know what is most important? Do we see what Mary saw and what Jesus chastised Martha over? It isn't Women's history month or women's pride month but still, can't we elevate and celebrate and be proud of who we all are? The banner of LGBTQ+ is rather broad. Can we find pride in the gifts God gave us, no matter who we are? Are not the equal rights that we fight for just as valued and due women?
As I take Pride in who I am and acknowledge the gifts and graces God has given to me as a person, in who I am, I cannot help but think of everyone else and especially today, the women who have been witnesses and rebels of Christ to me and the world.
For rebel Jesus, women and equal rights for all, we pray.
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’
No comments:
Post a Comment