By Philip Raj A csc –
Readings: 1Tim 6:2-12, Lk: 8:1-3
The readings of today invite us to see our society in a broader vision. Jesus who stood against certain evil practices became an eye opener to the society because he saw the society in a broader perspective.
In the first reading, we see where St. Paul urges us to fight for the good of faith, that is to follow the teachings of Jesus. In the gospel reading, we see that a few women followed Jesus in
spreading the good news. Women gaining knowledge formally or following a teacher was strange and not easily accepted in those days, but Jesus wanted to bring change in society.
The women were treated as second-class citizens in the society. But Jesus cast out evil spirits, healed their deformities, and allowed them to share their resources in common. We also see many instances in the gospel where Jesus tried to highlight the role of women in society. Jesus paved a new way where all have to be treated equally, because God created us.
Those women, who got healed by Jesus, dedicated their lives to spread the good news. They were ready to challenge the society and left everything behind and followed Jesus. Even today in our society, women are deprived of various privileges, just because of their identity as women. As followers of Jesus, we have to see our society in a broader perspective. In the eyes of God, all are equal, and he loves all of us.