1 Corinthians 15 is St. Paul’s treatise on the resurrection of the body. We read some of this today in our first reading. “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.”
In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 8, we read about a number of women who traveled with Jesus and the Twelve. They “provided for them out of their resources.” The Jesus of Luke’s Gospel is a champion of the poor and the downtrodden. Luke makes it a special point to highlight the importance of women in the ministry of Jesus. Even so, Luke stays faithful to the truth. We see no mention of women being numbered among the Twelve (being ordained) or as part of the clergy.
Many today will shout “Times have changed!” They will cry that, because the Catholic Church does not ordain women, it is an oppressive institution. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Church is simply following the example of Christ. She (the Church) cannot change that which Christ has ordained. But, just as in the ministry of Jesus, there is a very special place in the Church for women. And, just like Christ, the Church loves each and every one of her children.
Father, we thank you for the unique and individual gifts that you have given each of us. May we all use them in service to you. Amen.
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