365-DAY CELEBRATION

Some women... provided for them out of their resources. – Luke 8:2-3

It’s September but we can always celebrate Mother’s Day any day! Note: Use this activity for your mom’s

birthday or any day you want to honor the woman who gave birth to you. Below is my paraphrased version of Proverbs 31:10-31. Instructions: Tick everything that best describes your mom, then present or read this to her.

• A woman of noble character.
• Committed to do good and add value to her family.
• Attentive to home details and very industrious.
• Doesn’t stop serving great food.
• Makes good business decisions and wise investments.
• Merciful and helpful to the needy.
• Prepares the family for any season and climate.
• Causes the greatness of her husband and guards family honor.
• A woman of strength, wisdom, and dignity.
• Effectively oversees all household affairs.
• Well respected and loved by her children.
• Praised and honored by her husband.
• Worthy of the respect from the entire community.

Let’s honor our moms 365 days a year! Obet Cabrillas (obetcab@yahoo.com)

Reflect: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Lord, You honored women who supported Your missions, and at Your death, You gave us the most beautiful gift—Mama Mary. Thank You!

Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, martyrs, pray for us.

Jesus travels and brings His ministry to many places. It is impossible for one person to bring the Good News to everyone. This is why we need to work together as a community—as a Church—to bring the Gospel to all men and women. We need each other’s support. We also need to share the gifts we have given and present the Gospel as creatively as we can.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 8:1-3

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: Jesus, the Divine Healer, take away my inequities and cleanse me from my sins.

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Read the Bible in one year - Psalms 126-130 

 

 

EVERYONE’S GOT A ROLE

In a highly dominant patriarchal society, do women have a place in the ministry of Jesus preaching the good news of the Kingdom? If we look at Jesus’ experiences with women, He dealt with them freely. In fact, He shattered the prejudicial customs of His day.

Today’s Gospel accentuates the unique role of women. In the Philippines, feminist group advocates like Gabriela are making headlines whenever there are cases of injustice against women. As a nation, we are much better compared to Middle Eastern countries in how we promote women’s role in the government. As a matter of fact, we had two women presidents in the past.

Why can’t we have the same equality in the Church? The question presumes that there is an injustice. The Catholic Church promotes equality in terms of the dignity of the human person.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church leaves no room for doubt: “Man and woman have the same dignity and are of equal value.” However, the Church also affirms that men and women are unique and different. Man and woman are unique in their sexes, nature, and orientation. And because of this, their functions and roles in the Church ministry also have differences.

Jesus affirms this unique role. He called some women to be His disciples, taking care of the disciples “by providing for them out of their means.” In Jesus’ circle of friends, a few names were mentioned: Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna. Probably they served as laundrywomen, cook, iron lady, if we have to adapt it to our modern context.

Women have a unique role in the Church. Mary, too, found her role in the history of salvation. Fr. Haluendo Amit, OCD

------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS -------

Have you ever thought about your role in the Church? What are you doing to help build it?

Strengthen my desire and will to serve You, Lord, in my own small way. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________