Women in Scriptures: Disciples of Hope

May 19, 2017

By Joyce Chong
Sr Margarete Sta Maria from the Malacca-Johore Diocese gave a talk on Women in Scriptures: Disciples of Hope at the Sacred Heart Church on April 22. The talk began at 9.00am with 26 participants, all women.

She started with The Empty Tomb (Easter reflection) based on the Gospel according to John (20:1-18)

The empty tomb is a sign of : Complete victory, Extreme love and Powerful presence All these signs point to Jesus’ resurrection which is incorruptible, imperishable and the transformation of new life.

Jesus’ resurrection is the core of our Catholic faith and the Resurrected One is continuous with the Crucified One.

The empty tomb should remind us of Jesus who emptied himself in obedience to the will of His Father out of love for us, sinners. Early Christian martyrs gave up their lives to share Jesus’ love with others.

Our mission is to proclaim His love, as each of us has been redeemed by Jesus who was crucified, and continue to live our Christian conviction.

Sr Margarete highlighted three Icons, who are Great missionaries of Hope:

Mother Mary — icon of joy
The Virgin Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel that she was to be the Mother of God. She went to visit Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, and when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the baby leapt in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

The transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana was the first miracle by Jesus. Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding with Mother Mary. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1-12).

Mary had complete trust in the Lord and followed his will.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see the Lord after His resurrection. She was the first to see the empty tomb, and rushed off to tell Simon Peter and John. However, they found the tomb empty and returned home. Mary stayed, crying outside as Jesus stood behind her. Yet, she did not recognise Him, supposing him to be the gardener. It was only on hearing her name being called by Jesus that she turned immediately and said to Him, Rabboni! (which means Teacher). Mary ran back to tell the disciples that she had seen the Lord.

The Samaritan woman at the well was an outcast but, she was thirsty for the truth. Jesus stopped at the well and asked the Samaritan woman for some water.

Instead, Jesus offered her lifegiving water which would give her eternal life so that she would never thirst again. The Samaritan woman was changed and returned to her village to evangelise.

After lunch, we were divided into groups and asked to reflect on the three Icons and to choose which Icon we want to be in our parish.

In conclusion, Sr Margarete stressed that women played an important role in the Bible and should play an important role in the Church.