Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Commemoration of Joanne, Mary, and Salome, Myrrhbearers

(From the Treasury of Daily Prayer):

Known in some traditions as “the faithful women,” the visit of these three persons and other women to the tomb of Jesus on the first Easter morning is noted in the Gospel records of Matthew (28:1), Mark (16:1), and Luke (24:10).  Joanna was the wife of Chuza, a steward in Herod’s household (Luke 8:3).  Mary, the mother of James (the son of Alphaeus), was another of the women who faithfully provided care for Jesus and His disciples from the time of His Galilean ministry through His burial after the crucifixion.  Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 27:56), joined with the women both at the cross and in bringing the spices to the garden tomb.  These faithful women have been honored in the Church through the centuries as examples of humble and devoted service to the Lord.

 

A prayer in their honor: Mighty God, Your crucified and buried Son did not remain in the tomb for long.  Give us joy in the tasks set before us, that we might carry out faithful acts of service as did Joanna, Mary, and Salome, offering to You the sweet perfume of our grateful hearts, so that we, too, may see the glory of Your resurrection and proclaim the Good News with unrestrained eagerness and fervor worked i9n us through our Lord Jesus Christ, who rose and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

2 comments:

Captain Aunt Susan said...

Isn't it amazing that women were the first 'witnesses' to the resurrection as women were not considered credible witnesses in jewish courts of law. This is another example of how God never does things the way we would expect. How can we then think we could predict how and when the end will come?!

Greg said...

Sort of like the foolishness of the cross!