Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Remembering and Celebrating Women's Ministry - Sevika Sangham Day
 St. Mark 14:3-9

 

Rev. Shinoi Joseph
Long Island MTC, NY

6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her?

This Sunday is set apart as Sevika Sanghom Day. The theme for this day is “Remembering and Celebrating Women.” The passage that we reflect upon on this occasion is one of the best passages to study this theme. Here we read about an anonymous woman who comes to Jesus and anoints Him with very costly perfume of pure nard. Jesus seeing her devotion and dedication says, “Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the world, what this woman has done also will be spoken of in memory of her.” As we remember and celebrate womanhood let us look into this passage briefly and reflect upon the above theme.

This incident happens when Jesus and His disciples are in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. They were there to participate in the festival of Passover. In anointing Jesus, the woman acknowledges Jesus as her Messiah and also prepares Him for His salvific act. It happens in the context when Jewish religious leaders are plotting to kill Jesus. Soon after this incident we read that Judas agrees to betray Jesus for money.

The woman’s action illustrates the following:

  1.       When other fails to see who Jesus is, she comes forward and declares her faith without even uttering a single word.
  2.       Anointing of Jesus with very costly perfume also reveals her true dedication as she gives her best to Jesus.
  3.       She engages in true worship as she offers her extravagant love in offering God her best.
  4.       She is not reluctant to reveal herself as a disciple of Jesus.
For others (i.e. the disciples) her deed seems to be foolish or absurd. But Jesus acknowledges her act as worthy. Jesus says, “She has done a good deed.” Jesus values her selfless dedication. If we confess our faith and devotion to Jesus, He will also recognize us. (St. Mt. 10:32, 33).

There is no discrimination in God’s sight, as He has created both male and female in His own image (Gen.1:27). Jesus always redefined the role of women, empowering them to be His disciples, and enabling them to partake in mission (Jn.4). Mary Magdalene was commissioned by the resurrected Jesus to bear the good news of resurrection to the disciples. So women too have a great role in the mission of the Church by being the bearers of the Good News (Gospel). Just as this unnamed woman who selflessly devoted herself, let us also devote ourselves and our best to Jesus, thereby partaking in the mission of the Church.

PRAYER

Dear God transform our hearts and minds that we may offer ourself and what we have to You. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish;

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