Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Lk 8: 1-3
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Women Who Have Nurtured Your Faith
Some of my earliest experiences of faith came from watching women at church. Observing and learning from women musicians, lectors, ministers of Holy Communion and religious education teachers formed me in innumerable ways. I am well-acquainted with such women who, like the named and unnamed “many others” mentioned in Luke’s Gospel, provide for others “out of their resources.” First among them is my own mother, who, in the midst of raising six children, still made time to teach special religious education, confirmation and marriage prep, as well as take Holy Communion to homebound parishioners and serve on the parish council. Lately I have been exploring the lives of female role models in our faith history and considering the many and varied contributions of women in Jesuit works today.
Take a moment to be grateful for the women who have nurtured your faith. What are their names? What are their gifts?
— Karen Wuertz is the Boys Division Head at Regis Jesuit High School.
Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
—St. Teresa of Avila