24th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Friday 20th September 2024

Ponder awhile, regardless of your background, how many opportunities come your way to serve the Lord and contribute to the works He handed over to the Church? Has the grace of Resurrection given any meaning to your generous support to needy causes? It is a great help to read St Paul’s emphasis on the resurrection, because it would definitely raise our hope in Christ, our life and relationships are not limited to earthly needs.

We are reminded that Jesus’ followers were not just His twelve Apostles but also included women, as recorded by Luke. These women were not only enchanted by Jesus’ teachings, they supported Jesus further in His ministry by providing for His needs. And it was out of their own resources! As Jesus was resolute to go to Jerusalem, these women followed Him on the road, even to Golgotha.

Whilst Jesus is clearly the prime mover to this interplay of servant-leader relationship in community, the roles between Jesus and the women followers were a contributing factor to how the Church community came into shape gradually. And while it is good to give thanks to God for the gifts that you receive, it is necessary too, to use those gifts to support and empower others in shaping a needy community. The courage of the women to support Christ’s ministry has been the hallmark of the Church’s expansion. Their contribution was not limited by their background.

Dear Lord, let me be generous to raise hope to the despairing today.