Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Both men and women followed Christ and each proclaimed the Good News alongside him in their own unique way. The men eventually were sent out to heal, cleanse, and preach. The women provided for the men out of their resources. Both were necessary. You cannot live the itinerant life without depending upon others for your food and shelter. In addition, the women become the main witnesses of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. The men, except for John, ran away and hid while the women watched and lamented. Eventually, they were rewarded for staying with Jesus till the end by being the first to discover the resurrection. However, after the resurrection, both men and women are renewed in their faith and preach and proclaim the Good News through their witness to and sharing of their faith. We would do well to remember even outside of marriage, men and woman complement each other filling those things lacking in each other. This recognition of the uniqueness of each gender does not make them inequitable, but rather it reminds them of their equal responsibility to spread the Gospel through their own gifts as complimentary co-workers in the vineyard of souls.

How are we being called to preach and proclaim the Good News? What gifts and talents do we have as men and women that can help us to witness to the Gospels? What resources do we have that we can devote to the good works of our faith?

O Lord, teach us, both men and women, how to follow you as co-workers in the faith.

Amen.