Daily Reflections ...

Jesus loved to disrupt societal norms, particularly when it came to those who lived on the margins. In a world where women, children, the poor and the sick were often excluded, Jesus welcomed them.  Imagine what this meant in the ancient world, where more than half the population (women and children) were marginalised and given little to no status. Yet, Jesus not only interacted with them; he made them essential to his mission.

In today’s gospel, we see this disruption clearly. It was highly unusual for a rabbi to associate with women in this way, much less have them travel with him as part of his ministry. These women weren’t just bystanders, they were active participants, supporting Jesus’ work both spiritually and financially. Women like Mary Magdalene became key figures in Jesus’ ministry.

And the significance doesn’t stop here. These same women, who were often isolated by their illness or social status, became the first witnesses to Jesus’ death (Luke 23:49) and his Resurrection (Luke 24:9-11). The marginalised were not only healed and restored, but they also became bearers of the most important news in human history.

So, what does this mean for us today? It challenges us to ask: who are the marginalised in our world, and how are we embracing them in our communities?  Just as Jesus empowered those on the margins, we too are called to create space for everyone, recognising that God’s Kingdom is for all people, regardless of their status in society.

by Colleen Tracey