The readings from the N.T. regarding the anointings of
Jesus by women are especially poignant.
They offer rich images for us to reflect upon as we consider the soulful
depths unique to Feminine Spirituality in which the sacredness of relationship
appears primary. The essential nature of “relatedness” held within the psyches
of these women appears in stark contrast to the more judgmental criticism often
expressed by their male counterparts towards them.
In his “Canticle of the Creatures”, St. Francis captures
exquisitely this concept of the primacy of sacred cosmic relatedness. Throughout
his poem he acknowledges his sense of familial relationship with every aspect
of God’s creation. Everything - and in particular human-kind - is to be
regarded as sister, brother and mother. The women of the anointing readings
intuitively understand this and willingly offer gestures of gratitude, affection
and esteem towards the person of Jesus who has truly loved and esteemed
them.
One such reading is offered to us this Holy Week in the
Gospel account recorded in Mark 14. We
note the clearly scornful expressions of reproach directed towards the courageous
woman who anoints Jesus. She is
publically criticized in response to her extravagant use of precious ointments
and her unabashed, public display of affection. She, however, knows the better
part, of true presence - human soul to human soul. Through her gesture of
anointing she allows herself to touch and bless with loving presence the one who
has humanly and divinely welcomed and affirmed her.
What astounds me as I re-read this familiar passage is
noticing that Judas’ decision to betray Jesus appears to be in direct response
to Jesus’ reprimand of him and the male disciples who have criticized this
woman. Jesus says, ‘Leave her alone. Why
are you upsetting her? She has done a good thing to me… and will be remembered’.
I have never connected the dots before, between Jesus’ defense of this woman
and Judas’ immediate decision to go out and betray him.
Was Jesus’ betrayal by Judas a matter of a bruised male
ego, unable to integrate the prospect of women’s preciousness and equality in
the sight of God? Was Jesus’ betrayal a
matter of Judas’ jealousy and misogynistic worldview? Jesus died in love for
all humankind, but perhaps in a particular way, he came and died to restore and
esteem the feminine gender. I am compelled to reflect further on this as a poignant
aspect of his Passion.
The primal entrenched dynamic of patriarchal domination
and supremacy has continued throughout history with dire consequences for those
who, like Jesus, equally esteem the presence of women in value and status. It
is heartening to see Jesus championing these women in the New Testament,
defending them and reprimanding the disciples for their disbelief, criticism
and obstinacy. It offers women much hope and confidence to go forward in Christ
in their callings to offer their unique gifts of presence, relatedness and
courage; and to trust that they always have his defense, esteem and blessing.
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