Women have always played an important role in the reality of the Christian community. Women were close followers and supporters of Jesus and his apostles. They provided for their needs and helped them in carrying out their tasks both before the death and resurrection of Jesus and after. Jesus gave a newer sense of dignity and respect to women by being always open and receptive and appreciative of their friendship, their love and their contributions to his welfare, and that of his apostles.
Women's role in the Church – going through various stages throughout the centuries – has been enhanced to a greater degree than ever in our contemporary Church. Women now hold many offices in diocesan administration, and serve in pastoral roles in parishes. The entire Church rejoices to have the presence of such dedicated disciples of Christ.
In the first reading today, we have St. Paul reminding the Corinthians of the central belief in the resurrection of the dead (in general) and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (in particular). For if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is in vain, and there will be no resurrection for us. Death will be the end! But he did rise, faith has validity and there is now resurrection waiting us all.
This is the gospel message that the Church is entrusted with – the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, her Lord and Savior – and all that they entail. All Christians, including priests, religious and lay leaders, both men and women have as their baptismal calling the responsibility to live as though they truly believed these things – and thus to attract others to the community of belief!
As a result of our belief and actions of loving service – when your glory appears, our joy will be full!
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