A reading from the gospel according to Luke 8:1-3
1 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
2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Reflection: Women
Good News: Jesus preached with the support of women.
The gospel above tells us how women supported the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission by providing His needs and that of His apostles. In a strictly patriarchal society, Jesus broke tradition and gave women the dignity due them. He gave them a role in the mission. Indeed, the word inclusiveness is not a new concept. Jesus applied it in practice. In the Kingdom of God, no one is excluded.
In modern times, we can observe how society have changed or is changing. Although there are still many countries that are patriarchal, women everywhere take an active role in the mission. In fact, in some churches, the servants are mostly women and only a few men are active.
Jesus calls everyone to participate in the mission regardless of gender or background. We note how Mary Magdalene was transformed into an avid supporter of Jesus as He went around from one town to another proclaiming the Kingdom of God. May we all emulate her and the other women in support of the church’s mission to continue the works of Jesus.
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Jesus continues to do His mission of proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. He wasn’t alone though. His disciples were with Him, as well as a group of women who had been healed from various illnesses and demonic oppression. These women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, were significant not only because of their healing but also because they served Jesus and His disciples out of their own means.
This passage may seem like a brief historical note, but it contains profound lessons about faith, service, and gratitude. It highlights how Jesus’ ministry was supported by those whose lives had been transformed by His love and healing. In this, we find a model for our own lives: how we can respond to God’s work in us and participate in His mission.
1. Transformed Lives Lead to Service
The women mentioned in Luke 8 had experienced personal healing through Jesus. Mary Magdalene, for example, had been freed from seven demons, an extraordinary example of liberation. Her response, and that of the others, was to dedicate their lives to serving Jesus. Their healing wasn’t just physical; it transformed their hearts, inspiring them to give back.
When God touches our lives, it’s natural to want to respond with gratitude. These women’s acts of service are a reminder that faith is not passive. When we experience God’s grace, our faith is stirred into action. Whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or service to others, we reflect the love of Christ that has first been shown to us.
2. Everyone Has a Role in God’s Kingdom
What’s remarkable about this passage is that it highlights the often-overlooked contribution of women in Jesus’ ministry. While the apostles were frequently mentioned in the Gospels, these women played a vital role in supporting the day-to-day needs of the ministry. They weren’t preaching to crowds or performing miracles, but they served faithfully and out of their own resources.
This teaches us that everyone has a part to play in God’s Kingdom, regardless of their role. Not everyone will stand on a stage or lead a crowd, but each one of us has a unique gift to offer. The women in this passage gave out of their resources — perhaps time, money, or labor. In the same way, God can use whatever we have, big or small, for His glory.
3. Faithful Service is a Reflection of Gratitude
This short Gospel narrative reminds us that service is not about obligation but about gratitude. The women’s acts of service were a response to the life-changing power of Jesus. Our service to God should flow from the same place. When we recognize how much we’ve been given whether healing, provision, or salvation, our hearts overflow with gratitude, and that leads to a desire to serve others.
In this way, service becomes a joy, not a burden. It’s not about trying to earn favor with God but responding to the favor He has already shown us. Like the women in this passage, when we serve from a place of gratitude, we become part of the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom on earth.
This particular short narrative offers a beautiful picture of faith in action. Jesus touched the lives of those women, and in turn, they served Him and His ministry. Their example encourages us to let our own gratitude for God’s grace overflow into acts of service. Whether through small gestures or significant sacrifices, our service can have a lasting impact when it comes from hearts transformed by God’s love. As we give back, we too participate in the work of proclaiming the Kingdom of God to the world.
