Women: Followers and Disciples of Jesus

September 16, Friday, Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
1 Cor 15:12–20 • Ps 17:1bcd, 6–7, 8b and 15 • Lk 8:1–3

“The call to discipleship is not just addressed to men but also women.”

We often lament that the Church is a male-dominated institution since those who exercise leadership roles are men. Those who defend this position point out that Jesus called only men to be his disciples and apostles. This is a narrow view that should be corrected.

Gospel today informs us that there were women who accompanied Jesus as he carried out his mission. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. They are considered not just his supporters but also his friends. This affirms to us that the call to discipleship is not just addressed to men but also women. Jesus was truly inclusive. The Blessed Virgin Mary is not only the mother of Jesus. She is also the model of discipleship as one who was united to Jesus from the moment of his birth to his death.

Today, the active participation of women in carrying out the Church's mission is acknowledged and appreciated. We all know that in many activities in the parish and in the Basic Ecclesial Communities and various Church movements, majority of those who attend and participate are women. They are exercising leadership positions.  In recent times, the pope has appointed women to various leadership positions in the Vatican commissions and offices.

Let us pray that there be more and more women who will respond to the Lord's call to active discipleship as religious, lay missionaries and pastoral workers, and lay leaders.