Easter joy and Women

"He's Alive" by Dolly Parton captures the joy of the resurrection which is preached to the Corinthians by Paul in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Greek Gnostic philosophy which prevented some Corinthians from accepting resurrection. USCCB commentary notes the grave consequences for the faith of these Corinthians. The Gospel of Luke today presents Jesus as an itinerant preacher traveling in the company of the Twelve and of the Galilean women who are sustaining them out of their means. Friar Jude provides two biblical facts about Mary Magdalene who is a figure wrapped, by tradition, in mystery and misconception. She was cured of seven demons and she was the first to bring news of Jesus rising from the dead to the other Apostles. Pat Borchers reflects on some of the myths of this Mary to arrive at a message for all of us concerning the demons of our lives. Don Schwager comments on the characteristic of Luke’s Gospel to give women a special place. A list of the role of women throughout the life of Jesus opens our eyes to the choice of God to speak and act through women. Looking to women for spiritual direction and example is hopefully less countercultural than it was in Jesus time.

(Click here for links to the commentaries above)