Reflection
Broken to Blossom, Transformed to Tread
Today’s Gospel from Luke, presents a beautiful and powerful image: a group of women who had experienced the healing love of Jesus and who now followed Him faithfully, supporting His mission with their own resources. They were not merely spectators; they were participants.
Having encountered the Lord’s goodness, they recognized Him as precious and worthy to be followed.
In a society where women were often marginalized and excluded from public and religious life, Jesus broke boundaries. He allowed Mary of Bethany to sit at His feet as a disciple. He touched the dead girl and restored her to life. He permitted Himself to be touched by the woman with hemorrhage. He spoke publicly with the Samaritan woman and defended the woman who anointed His feet. In doing so, Jesus revealed Himself as the true liberator.
He broke open rigid traditions so that people, especially women, could blossom in dignity and freedom.
This liberation is deeply connected to the hope proclaimed by St. Paul in the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Paul insists that Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Resurrection is not merely an event of the past; it is the foundation of our faith and the source of our dignity. Because Christ is risen, no one is condemned to remain in oppression, sin, or despair. The risen Lord restores life, hope, and worth to all who turn to Him. The women who followed Jesus were living witnesses of this new life; they were broken by suffering, but through Him, they blossomed.
Psalm 17 echoes this longing for fullness of life:
“I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your presence.”
True fulfillment is found not in social approval or material security, but in the presence of God.
The women in Luke’s Gospel were not content with receiving favors; they responded with gratitude. They were transformed, and so they chose to tread in His path. Their discipleship challenges us. Do we remain only at the level of asking, or do we grow into thanksgiving and service? Do we allow unhealthy attitudes to persist, or do we courageously promote dignity and respect?
Jesus Christ is risen. He is precious, and He loves us deeply. Having been touched by His grace, may we also blossom in freedom and faithfully walk in His mission.
