A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 8:1-3)
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
In today’s Gospel, Luke describes the role and contribution of women in Jesus’ ministry of proclaiming the Gospel. As Jesus continues traveling through various cities and villages, the Twelve follow him along with Mary, Joanna, and Susanna. Luke notes the relationship Jesus had in healing them from evil spirits and illnesses. As Jesus and his disciples continue to minister to people in the region, these women were not only recipients of Jesus’ healing and teaching but also the first among the disciples who supported his mission with financial means and devotion to him. In the first reading, Saint Paul in his Letter to Timothy warns against the temptation of wealth. He says, “But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.”
Father in heaven, thank you for the example of these women who followed and supported Jesus. As you always take initiative in your mercy, Jesus healed Mary Magdalene in delivering her from evil spirits and illnesses. Help me see clearly what needs I have of your healing, and help me trust that the foolish pursuit of wealth and the things of this world is, as Paul says, a piercing with many pains. Give me the grace to pursue you instead in devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. By your grace heal me and bring me to eternal life.
From the responsorial psalm: “Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.