On July 22nd, 2009, we hosted a liturgy in honor of the feast day of St. Mary Magdala in our home in Falls Church, VA. We sang, prayed, and reflected on the role of St. Mary Magdala as the first witness to the Resurrection. The Risen Christ sent Mary to "go and tell", announce the Good News to the other disciples. The church Fathers referred to her as "The Apostle to the Apostles." We also discussed the non-canonical Christian writings such as Pistis Sophia, and the Gospel of Mary, which present Mary as a leader and teacher of the male disciples, whom Peter resented. Scholars believe this tension reflected the debate in the early church about the role of women as leaders in the church. Amid chuckles, we noted that some things never change!!
Our community also discussed at length the call to a renewed priestly ministry and asked me to share my journey. Peg and Bob, with whom I co-ministered in a parish community for fifteen years shared some wonderful memories. Both have been companions on the journey with me, like Junia and Andronicus whom Paul cites as exemplars in the faith in Romans 16. We noted in Romans 16 that Paul commends by name, many women leaders for their hard work. Today over 80% of church ministry is done by women. So women are still doing the heavy lifting in the church today in parishes throughout the U.S.
There is tension between the hierarchy and women in the church who advocate full equality of women in the church, including a renewed priestly ministry. The image that comes to mind is that of a dance! Despite our disagreements and rejection by the institutional male leaders, RCWP are faithful members of the Body of Christ, the people of God. Like St. Mary of Magdala and Peter, we are "dancing" a new church into being!
Bridget Mary Meehan
1 comment:
Thank-you Bridget Mary for keeping us connected through your blog, even when we cannot attend these powerful liturgies. Women are not only doing the heavy lifting of ministry, but in their leadership of the sacraments, transforming of what our understanding of what it means to be a baptized believer, with no distinctions of gender,hierarchy, class or culture. It was what Jesus told us to do. Paul reiterated the message as did the first apostles. We even tried a reformation to 'set things right'. And now in this quiet voice of the RCwomenpriests/WOC movement it is happening again. Only this time, for any of us who have particpated in these sacraments, one realizes on a very deep level, that the spirit is powerfully making it happen according to plan....only took 2 thousand years or a thousand since women were shut out from the priestly function. The blessed challenge has been met. Mary Magdalen and all who have succeeded her in apostleship are at last....in the sacred circle. And they are there with us all.
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