First Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Gospel - Luke 8:1-3
In the first reading, Paul highlights the crux of the foundation of the Christian faith: the teaching on resurrection. It is remarkable to note a few things of great importance that Paul mentions. First, if belief in the resurrection is not true, then the faith that is preached is baseless, and those who preach it commit perjury. Moreover, people who believe in Jesus would have no hope, as they would always die in sin. Secondly, Paul asserts that belief in Christ's resurrection is indeed true, and therefore all must submit to it because Jesus is the way to salvation. Paul’s assertion of the resurrection is based on the voluntary choice of individuals. After knowing everything, if they choose to accept faith in Christ, they will certainly be rewarded in Him. However, the possibility of rejection remains open to those who do not wish to believe.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus engaged in His ministry of teaching and preaching. Three striking elements can be drawn from the passage. First, Jesus is accompanied by some women whom He healed. In first-century Palestine, it was unimaginable for women, who were mostly confined to their homes and restricted in social life, to accompany a Rabbi so openly (as Jesus was considered and addressed as a Rabbi). Second, the involvement of these women in Jesus’ ministry, contributing both materially and actively, reflects the revolutionary shift brought about by Jesus. In God’s kingdom, everyone is respected equally, irrespective of gender. Third, Jesus’ ministry shows that He preached a kingdom that was open to all, regardless of gender, social standing, or economic background.
The common theme that emerges from the passage is that Jesus proclaims a kingdom of inclusiveness and reciprocity. It is inclusive because Jesus breaks down the rigid boundaries of disparity and partiality. It is reciprocal because just as Jesus opened a new path, His mission was supported by others, like the women, through material contributions.
Dear friends, today's readings challenge us to become more inclusive in our relationships so that everyone finds a place in our lives and receives acceptance. Jesus was inclusive in His life, mission, and teachings. He did not exclude anyone but accepted differences, even among His apostles and other followers. Are we ready to become more inclusive in our approach toward others, irrespective of our differences?
The Gospel also invites us to be generous with our material possessions, particularly money. The women in the Gospel serve as beautiful examples of generosity, supporting the mission of Jesus. There is a need for financial support for the spread of Christ’s mission through missionaries in the field. It is through our generous acts that this mission can be sustained. Let us not be reserved with our material possessions, but generous enough to contribute to the spread of the Kingdom. As St. Paul reminds us in the first reading, we have brought nothing into this world and will carry nothing out, so our generous love confirms this truth.
May God help us remain steadfast in our faith.
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