These women were helping to support them out of their own means. – Luke 8:3

       Recently, I was invited to be one of the sponsors in a friend's wedding. No, not as a ninong, but only as one of the candle sponsors. Of course, I said yes. But the wedding was in another part of the Philippines. That meant I would have to spend for my own travel and accommodations, which was costly.

       Because I wasn't able to book a flight earlier, available tickets were expensive. I decided to take the cheapest one I could find but one that would allow me to fly in and out the same day, so I wouldn’t need to check in at a hotel. In the midst of all of that, I trusted that God would take care of my expenses.

       True enough, He did! The couple suddenly offered to book a room for me in a hotel. I said that wasn’t necessary, but they insisted. As I thanked them, they also guaranteed to reimburse my airfare! Needless to say, I had a wonderful time at their wedding.

       Friend, as you become generous with the Lord, allow Him to assure you of His Providence. As you do what it takes to maximize your resources, trust that God will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Jonathan Yogawin (jyogawin@gmail.com)

Reflection: Is God inviting you to something but you feel that your resources are lacking? Just do what you need to do and trust His leading.

Lord, grant me the trust and generosity of time, talent and treasure to help others, knowing that You are my supply.

St. Januarius, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

The resurrection, no matter how impossible it may sound, is essential to the Gospel proclamation. If there is no resurrection of Jesus from the dead, then there is no victory over sin. In fact, if there is no resurrection, then sin is the victor, and not us through Christ. This is why Paul always makes sure that the resurrection is at the heart of his preaching. We should do the same.

12 Brothers and sisters: If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. 15 Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

R: Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

1 Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. (R) 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. 7 Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand. (R) 8 Hide me in the shadow of your wings, 15 But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence. (R)

There is always something for everyone to do when it comes to the work of the Kingdom of God. However, we must not favor some roles over others and think that they are better or more important. It is essential that we all share what we have and work together in ensuring that the Gospel is proclaimed to all men and women. It does not matter what our role is; what matters is whether or not we faithfully fulfill it.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

1 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 2 and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

think:  It is essential that we all share what we have and work together in ensuring that the Gospel is proclaimed to all men and women.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 120-125

MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM

In the Catholic Church, one of my observations is the number of women involved in church activities. Oftentimes, women outnumber men in attendance at Mass, prayer groups and seminars. Women seem to be keener to offer a hand when it comes to organizing church affairs. Have you noticed this, too?

       Luke reports to us a typical day in the life and times of Jesus, going through villages and towns — preaching, teaching and healing. He mentions that certain women accompanied Him along the way. John tells us of the women who stood at the foot of the cross of Jesus, of women touched by Jesus’ ministry who saw it fitting to serve and offer assistance to Him. The Lord enjoys their generosity, which is a very big statement in the eyes of a society where women were seen as inferior and looked down upon by their male counterpart. Even in many societies today, women are seen as second-class citizens. Many popes and spiritual writers have denounced this attitude and sought to renew the value and dignity of women in the life of the Church and society at large.

       Noticeably, our Church is predominantly patriarchal. Men lead the Church through the cardinals. Men are called to the priesthood in the person and name of Christ who was a man. Men are often seen in top positions, but there are now many women taking prime positions in the life of the Church and the world. Many world leaders now have women guiding and influencing their governments. I believe this is a good thing. Women bring a certain level of warmth, genuine concern, intuition and constancy in their dealings with people. They complement men and play an important role in the formation and nourishment of life. After all, none of us would exist on earth if it was not for the woman we call mother. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you believe in the equality of men and women? Do you uphold the dignity of man and woman created in the image of God?

Lord, give us grace to respect and love all people, created in Your love. Amen.