Memorial of St.
Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest and martyr, and St. Paul Chong Ha-sang, martyr and
companions, martyrs
(I Timothy 6:2c-12; Luke 8:1-3)
When St. Dominic was founding the Dominican Order, he
started by establishing a convent of women converted from the heretical sect in
southern France. They provided spiritual
support for the soon to be organized band of friars. Dominic could draw from Jesus’ experience in
today’s gospel.
Luke mentions that a group of women accompanies Jesus and
the Twelve as he proclaims the Kingdom of God.
The gospel emphasizes that they were more than enthusiastic followers
but provide necessary material support for the troupe. The
third gospel takes pains to present women alongside men. In this past Sunday’s gospel, for example, the
parable of the woman who searches her house for a lost coin follows that of the
shepherd who does not rest until he finds the lost sheep.
Especially in Church circles women can be taken for
granted today. Such practice is deplorable
because it betrays Jesus’ legacy. Certainly
measures have to be taken to avoid scandal, but including women in
decision-making positions, as Pope Francis has promised, seems much in line
with Jesus’ own practice.
