A reflection on Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 11:16-19, Luke 7:31-35
Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang
Holy Women
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
Heavenly Pipers
“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Matthew 11:16-19
“Then to what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
Luke 7:31-35
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
The Heavenly Dance
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.
The 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).