Inspired by Scholastica

 

Jesus and Women

We generally think primarily of the 12 apostles as Jesus’ regular followers, but there were also women. We know there was, of course, Mary, his mother, and Mary Magdalen, Martha, Mary Salome, the Samaritan woman, the woman cured of a hemorrhage, and the Canaanite woman.  I’m sure there were more women (who were never counted). Who else would prepare the meals for the Twelve? Who else would make sure people were welcomed to hear Jesus’ speak? Who else would help keep the children quiet? Who else would do the dishes?

Women were not considered equal or important in this period of history. We know that when Jesus worked the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the crowd was estimated at 5,000, “not counting women and children.” Yet Jesus was always present to women and acknowledged them.  It is evident in many of the stories in the New Testament. One example is the woman with the hemorrhage who merely touched the hem of his garment and was healed. He did not ignore her, but asked who touched him? He also cured the daughter of the centurion, the mother-in-law of Peter, Mary Magdalen, and others.

In our day women have gained more recognition, but are still considered less important by some. We have many women congresspersons, lawyers, doctors, TV commentators, movie stars, and leaders of organizations. Many women excelled in the recent Olympics and now we even have a black-Asian woman running for president. Women have proved they are just as capable as men in every field.

 

Jesus rose above the general treatment of women in his time. He was not hindered by Jewish laws, and when he was challenged by the Canaanite woman, she helped change his attitude. May our society grow in its acceptance of the equality of women in the Church, in government, and in society.