A reflection on Luke 8:1-3 and Luke 7:31-35
Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang
Afterward he 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.
Luke 8:1-3
The Heavenly Dance
Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, who refused to “dance” to the heavenly tune of Jesus and John the Baptist (Luke 7:32), a group of devoted women followed the Lamb wherever he led (Revelation 14:4).
Mary Magdalene, gratefully liberated from “seven demons,” surrendered her life to Jesus, eventually becoming the “apostle of the apostles” as the first witness of the risen Lord. Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, stepped away from royal court life to accompany Jesus and the Twelve on their rough journeys. Nothing is known of Susanna except her name, which means “Lily,” a reflection of divine purity. These women, both named and unnamed, supported Jesus’ mission, their resources sustaining the apostolic band and their care nurturing its heart.
Their devotion endured to the foot of the cross, where they stood in silent grief, and to the tomb, where Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and other women carried spices to anoint their Lord’s body. On the third day, finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty,
they were surprised by angels proclaiming the resurrection. In that moment, these holy women, who had followed Jesus through every trial, glimpsed the heavenly dance in the court of the Lamb and of his angels.
Greek Rhymes
The Greek pronunciations of the following words create the rhythm and rhyme of the couplet:
María: mar-ee’-ah
Joánna/Ioánna: ee-o-ahn’-nah
Susánna: soo-sahn’-nah
daimónia: dahee-mon’-ee-a
Daimonia means “evil spirits” or “demons.” In the context of the passage, it also refers to infirmities of every kind.
Saints who follow Jesus “dance” to the tune of his piping, like stars synchronized with the pole star.
“Jesus is the Pole Star of human freedom.”
Pope Benedict XVI, 10 February 2006
Maria, Ioanna, and Susanna
Danced with Jesus, the doom of daimonia.
Traditional Chinese Translation
《跟隨耶穌的聖女》
馬利亞、約亞拿和蘇撒拿
與耶穌共舞，
戴蒙尼亞（惡魔）之厄運。
Dear GMC, These unsung heroines brought so much to the table, literally. They must have suffered terribly for their faith in Jesus, especially those like Mary Magdalen who were also sick. But Jesus healed them and they persevered and pushed through each day even bearing witness to the crucifixion of Jesus. And, for some, the Resurrection. I draw hope and strength from these determined women of faith. I will not soon forget again their stories and the faith they had. They remind me that Jesus expects no less of us. Thank you, GMC, for bringing them to us so memorably in living color.
Dear Gloria, Thank you for telling us about the holy women who were in Jesus’s life. We hardly hear about them but it’s good to know they gave of themselves to our Lord. They were among the 1st saints, believing, persevering, and, like Mary, saying yes to God’s call. I’m inspired! Thanks, Gloria!
May we join the saints who “shine like lights in the world,” in harmony with Christ the Pole Star (Philippians 2:15).