She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
In our tradition we pay attention not only to what is said, but who says it. Each declaration of faith from apostles, Roman centurions, women, babies and demons sounds differently. Even when the scriptures declare, "There is no god!" it matters who said it: in that case, the fool.
From my reading on the subject, it seems feminist theologians agree that Jesus regarded women as equal to men. He spoke freely with women, healed them, accepted their love and devotion, and sent them on mission. His saving work favored everyone regardless of their status except when he preferred the lowly and despised. When there was a conflict between men and women, he stood with the women -- think of the woman caught in adultery and the woman in the synagogue -- and was prepared to pay the price. He even accepted a rebuke from a woman who demanded more than he was prepared to give. Isn't that what we all demand of one another? Should the Lord not have such demands made of him?
Saint Martha of Bethany stands out as a woman known for her crabbiness; which is to say, for her human nature. Unlike her always-angelic sister Mary, Martha tests Jesus' patience.
Which is what people do when they love and live together intimately. It's easy to be on your best behavior when in public. A consumer-based economy depends on happy customers; it must keep smiling all the time. Our Facebook entries depict happy children and happy parents on happy vacations. But we take off the masks at the front door. Our true selves reappear as we greet our loved ones at home. If we greet them... If they greet us....
Martha wasn't wearing her company mask when she scolded Jesus and her idle sister Mary. She was upset, disappointed and frustrated and didn't mind showing it. She is also the one who can say, "I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Many of us, recognizing in Martha more than a sister, a companion, might accept her testimony over that of her silent sister Mary. She knew him as one who welcomed her crabbiness and did not flee from her.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.