One
of the goals of this union is to promote self-awareness
and self-appreciation. This simply means to learn more about
women’s contributions in the world and how important
they are to Christ.
On
Resurrection Sunday, it was women who went to the tomb to
care for the body of Christ. It was these women who first
noticed the tomb was empty, and it was to Mary Magdalene
that the risen Christ first appeared and spoke to.
This
and other passages in the Bible show just how much Christ
loved and cherished women. We must also learn to cherish
ourselves in a world that does not always appreciate women
and their contributions.
The
Bible, as we know it today, does not have the complete set
of ancient texts about Jesus. Some ancient scrolls were
found in caves years ago and, one of them was called the
Gospel of Mary. In this text Peter points out that Mary
was very close to Christ and that he told her some secrets
that only she could understand.
While
not everyone honors these new scrolls, most women appreciate
them. I know I do.
As
this union grows to embrace all members and all kinds of
charities, we must remember to honor ourselves and teach
our children that women are very important and deserve respect
as well as love in a society led by men.
Susan
Peabody