By Nibin K Cyriac csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 15:12-20; Lk 8: 1-3
Today’s gospel explains “Radicality”. The reason I said ‘radicality’ is because we see the actions of two figures in opposite poles of society with regard to their status. The small passage describes the followers of Jesus. Women disciples are given much importance in the gospel. A “Rabbi”, a teacher (on this occasion, Jesus) was respected and it was natural for men to follow him, but Jesus took the radical step of allowing women to follow him.
He shows the society that every individual is valuable to his Father. That is the message or the good news of the kingdom of God. A similar radical step is taken from the part of women. They were not shy or timid, rather were proud to follow Jesus in whom they believed regardless of the social stigma. It is their courage and trust in the Lord that makes them disciples even though they were considered lowly and given less opportunities at that time.
So, the gospel invites each one of us to be radical and bold and to take steps, even if it is against norms of the society, for a good cause. Let us fight the little roots of discrimination based on gender, color, caste, religion, region etc. and the evils of domination and power which still exists in our society.