Reflection
Matthew Does Not Let the Women Disciples Down
Until this coming Monday we will hear Jesus share his authority, teach and send his disciples on a mission to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom.
Differences between Matthew and Luke are interesting. Luke sends 70 disciples, while Matthew sends the Apostles; Luke tells of the joyful sharing that accompanies their return, but Matthew does not tell us about the Apostles’ success nor even their return. Interesting differences become fascinating. Luke, names the Twelve, and also names the women of Galilee, (Luke loves the women of Galilee!). Matthew does not mention the women.
If Matthew and Luke tell us about preparing disciples for mission it can be presumed that many of these disciples are women. Acts, written by Luke, tells us that Saul goes to Damascus seeking to arrest both men and women. Paul will work with Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth, and this couple later goes on to do their own missionary work. The families that fled Jerusalem and went to Samaria bring the Good News of the Kingdom, husbands and wives became missionaries in a foreign land. There must have been many cultural boundaries guiding the work of women; boundaries for men also in their dealings with women.
I imagine the Women of Galilee as close companions of Jesus, standing by the edges of the crowd answering the questions of women who hear Jesus and sharing with them their insights gained by their many experiences with him.
Let us give a bold interpretation to Matthew’s ending of his teaching on discipleship. Remember the principle that every man has his feminine side, and every woman her masculine. Our gender gives us a specific approach to life, but we have access to our opposite gender that helps us and gives us richer wholeness in life. Does Matthew quite unknowingly use this principle to offer solid affirmation of the women’s ministry?
On Monday we hear something so strongly masculine: “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it”. These were words directed to the Knights who go in search of the Holy Grail. This great symbol of the masculine quest for meaning. Seemingly masculine, Women also know this mystery.
Then follow four very feminine teachings appropriate for women disciples: We must be ‘welcoming’. The feminine welcomes life, she cannot lose her life but must preserve to give life and guide others. Her love mirrors the vast and profoundly deep sea of God’s love, she is to be lavish in sharing that love. The woman disciple is a prophet. She offers hope today because she has a vision of a new tomorrow. She is not to be afraid but embrace peace. There are things that threaten, but Jesus is so close that he counts the number of our hairs. She is a righteous person who shares her gifts with other righteous persons. The righteous are those who listen and talk with God; synodal people! Listening, sharing; inviting and offering. They see all, never neglecting a little one, and they give cold water. We are all little ones, and these disciples, attentive to the details of kindness, serve well prepared gifts and loving gifts. Cold water on a not day!
Women disciples of Jesus, Matthew affirms your gifts and commissions you.
