From the Chaplains
This week we celebrated International Women’s Day at Pymble by sharing about the women who have been role models for us. In Junior School Ignite we gathered with Rev Charissa Suli, head of the Uniting Church in Australia. She shared about her passion to bring change for the better across the globe.
It has been five decades since Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman became a symbol of profound change for gender equality. Reddy’s anthem was written from a place of frustration with songs that failed to capture the strength and resilience of women who had endured the Depression, and the world wars.
Reddy told Sunday Magazine in 2003, “But there was nothing in music that reflected that. The only songs were I Feel Pretty or that dreadful song Born A Woman. These are not exactly empowering lyrics. I certainly never thought of myself as a songwriter, but it came down to having to do it.”
Whether our voice is a roar or quiet whisper, International Women’s Day reminds us to chronicle the achievements of women. That women matter, not simply because they are someone’s wife, sister, or mother, but because women are someone.
Women mattered to Jesus. Jesus foregrounded women’s lives and voices, even when they were but a whisper. Women featured heavily within Jesus’ sermons and parables as ‘stars’ within his stories of faith, resilience and courage.
Many women were dedicated followers of Jesus during his ministry on earth. These women were named, like Susannah, Mary, Joanna and Martha. Though they were probably married with children, their husband’s name was not attached to who she was and what she’s doing. These women, seemingly disregarded cultural conventions, had left their families and the relative comfort of their homes to follow Jesus alongside the male disciples. Women remained faithful to the end, providing the financial backing for Jesus’ ministry, being by Jesus side as he died and were the first witnesses of the resurrection.
One of those named women was Mary. Shortly before Jesus was arrested, Mary anointed him with a large amount of expensive perfume. Ignoring her place in the kitchen, where she was meant to be preparing her guest’s meal, she chose a position alongside the male disciples, by sitting at Jesus’ feet to learn. She did not wait for her invitation, but stepped in nonetheless. With all eyes upon her, she poured her gift of perfume upon Jesus.
Mary was not just a passive learner. She took centre stage in the story, not to draw attention to herself, but to do what was right. The disciples grumbled about the expense, but Jesus praised the woman: “She has done a beautiful thing to me…. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” He promised that Mary’s choice to be among his disciples and learn will not be taken away from her, because she was someone.
May each of us celebrate the women in our lives, not simply for who they are to us, but also for who they are.
A Prayer for International Women’s Day
Lord, make me an instrument of peace:
Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love:
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us to see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.
Where there is injury, pardon:
Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.
Where there is division, unity:
Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.
Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:
Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.
Where there is doubt, true faith:
We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.
Where there is despair, hope:
We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.
Where there is sadness, new joy:
Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men.
Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people.
Amen
Source: www.godpsacelight.com
Reverend Cass Blake
College Chaplain