First Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Gospel - Luke 8:1-3
The inclusive mentality brings richness and vibrancy. The inclusive mentality implies openess or readiness to accept people and happenings with positive outlook irrespective of differences. The readings of today invite us to embrace an inclusive perspectives in our dealings with one another.
The first reading is the crux of the foundation of Christian faith that Paul highlights; the teaching on resurrection. It's remarkable to notice a few things of great importance that Paul mentions; firstly, if the belief in resurrection is not true then faith that is preached is baseless, those who preach the faith commit perjuries and also people who believe in Jesus have no hope because they always die in sin. Secondly, Paul asserts that the belief in Christ's resurrection is true and therefore all must submit to it because Jesus is the way to salvation. The assertion of Paul on the teaching of resurrection is based on the voluntary choice of everyone, after knowing everything, if they want to accept faith in Christ, they will certainly be rewarded in Christ. However, the other side of negation also remains open to those who don't wish to believe in it.
In the gospel, we see Jesus engaged in his ministry of teaching and preaching. The three most striking parts we can select from the passage are; firstly, Jesus is accompanied by some women who were healed by him. It was unimaginable in the first century Palestine for women, who were mostly confined to their homes and restricted in their social life, so openly to accompany a Rabbi (as Jesus was considered and addressed as a Rabbi). Secondly, the ministry of Jesus, which was supported by the contribution of some women and their involvement in the active ministry of Jesus, shows a revolution brought about by Jesus in the thinking of the people that in God's kingdom everyone is respected equally irrespective of genders. Thirdly, the ministry of Jesus shows that he preached a kingdom that was open to all irrespective of gender, social standing and economic background.
The commonality of the theme that strikes out from the passage is Jesus proclaims the kingdom of inclusiveness and reciprocality. It's inclusive because Jesus breaks the rigid confines of disparity and partiality. It's reciprocal because just as Jesus opens a new venture which was supported by the members in their own way, like by the women through material support.
Dear friends, the readings pose a great challenge to us to become more inclusive in our relationship with one another so that everyone finds a place in our lives, and thereby recieve acceptance. Jesus was inclusive in his life, mission, and even teachings. He didn't exclude anyone but certainly accepted differences viz. the apostles and even the other followers. Are we ready to become more inclusive in our approach with one another irrespective of differences?
The gospel of today also invites us to become generous with our material possessions, particularly money. The women, in the gospel, are the beautiful example of generosity for the support of the mission of Jesus. There is a need of financial support for the spread of the mission of Christ by missionaries in the mission field. It's only by our generous act this can be supported. Let's not be reserved with our material possessions but generous enough for the spread of the Kingdom. As St. Paul reminds us in the first reading that we have brought nothing with us and will carry nothing along, hence our generous love will become an example of confirmation of this fact.
May God help us remain steadfast in our faith.
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