Women Who Followed Jesus and their Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Fourth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:1-3*

*First Reading : 1 Tm 6:2c-12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 49: 6-7, 17-18, 19-20*

*Women Who Followed Jesus and their Mission*

*1) Named Women*

*A) Mary Magdalene*

One of the most prominent female disciples.

Delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2).

Present at Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and the first witness to the resurrection (John 20).

Often (though wrongly) associated with a sinful or immoral past; more accurately, she was a devoted and faithful disciple.

*B) Joanna*

Wife of Chuza, a steward of Herod Antipas.

Her position likely gave her access to wealth and political circles.

Mentioned again in Luke 24:10 as one of the women who reported the resurrection to the apostles.

*C) Susanna

Only mentioned here.

Likely another woman of means, though little is said, her inclusion indicates significance.

*D) Many others*

Who Were These “Many Other Women

Women Jesus healed (e.g., the bent woman in Luke 13, the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5).

Mothers or wives of disciples (possibly Peter’s wife or mother-in-law—Mark 1:29-31).

Ordinary women from towns and villages who responded to Jesus’ message.

Possibly wealthy patrons, similar to Joanna or Susanna, who funded Jesus' ministry behind the scenes.

They came from diverse social, economic, and personal backgrounds, but they were unified in their love for Jesus and their willingness to serve Him.

*2) Importance of these Women*

*A) Active Discipleship of Women*

These women were not just bystanders or background figures; they were disciples. 

They followed Jesus, just like the Twelve, which was highly unusual in the male-dominated religious context of the time. 

Their inclusion is a radical affirmation of the role of women in the Kingdom of God.

*B) Financial and Practical Support*

They "provided for them out of their means." This implies:

They were financially independent or had access to resources.

They chose to invest materially in Jesus’ ministry.

They played a crucial role in enabling the itinerant preaching of Jesus and the apostles.

In today’s terms, these women were patrons, partners in mission, and sustainers of the gospel work.

*C) Healing and Transformation*

Many of these women had personally experienced Jesus’ healing power — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 

Their support came out of gratitude and devotion, not obligation. 

Their lives had been transformed, and they responded with generosity and action.

*D) Faithfulness to the End*

These same women were present at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:55–56), when many of the male disciples fled. 

They were also first to the tomb and first to witness the resurrection (Luke 24:1–10). 

Their unwavering presence in the darkest moments highlights their loyalty and courage.

*3) Why Does This Matter?*

*A) Women Matter Deeply in the Mission of God*

From the very beginning, women have played essential roles in the movement of Jesus. 

They were not only followers; they were witnesses, supporters, and leaders in their own right.

*B) Ministry Needs Material Support*

Jesus, though divine, accepted help. His ministry was sustained by real human generosity. 

This reminds us that supporting God’s work financially and practically is not a lesser role—it’s vital.

*C) Healing Leads to Mission*

These women responded to personal healing with dedication to others. 

Their gratitude became action. It's a model of what it means to be transformed by Christ and then serve His cause.

*D) God Sees the Hidden Ones*

Though some of these women go unnamed, Scripture records their significance. 

In a world that often overlooks or forgets quiet contributors, God remembers and honors them.

*4) The Unnamed many Others*

*A) They Represent the Power of Quiet Faithfulness*

Most of these supporters are unnamed—they didn’t preach sermons, perform miracles, or write Scripture. 

But they made the mission possible through hospitality, finances, encouragement, and presence.

*B) They Show That Ministry Is a Community Effort*

Jesus' ministry wasn’t a one-man show. It was sustained by a network of committed people, many in the background, giving generously and sacrificially.

*C) They Show That Discipleship Isn't Limited by Status or Gender*

These “many others” included women, marginalized individuals, and likely people of varying social classes. 

In Jesus’ movement, everyone was welcome, and everyone could contribute.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*