“As a community of women, created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves ….”
It is no coincidence that the Purpose Statement of Women of the ELCA beings with these words. We name ourselves as a community. Each woman brings her own name, her own gifts, her own challenges, her own needs, her own commitment to a community with a mission.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome all formed such a community. They watched from a distance as Jesus was crucified, and they risked going to his tomb as soon as the Sabbath was over. They were committed to the vision of their teacher, and they grieved together at his death.
In Mark we read that those first women at the tomb told no one. Yet we, centuries later, have heard the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. The women must have found their voices eventually. From their witness, the Christian community has grown to reach even us. We too will find our voices in God’s goodness. Who knows what ears will hear us telling the story of God’s love?
This message is based on a devotion written by Terry L. Bowes that appeared in Programs, Retreats and Devotions published by Women of the ELCA in 1995.
reply
retweet
favorite