April Showers Bring May Flowers

April Showers Bring May Flowers

A new devotional “April Showers Bring May Flowers” looks at the strength and courage of several women in the New Testament.

THOUGHT: 

I just discovered that MAY has been dubbed “Victorious Woman” month. It is derived from two sources, both secular and Divine. The etymology of the word “MAY” comes from the goddess “Maia,” the goddess of strength and fertility. More importantly, it is reflective of the strength of the mother of Jesus, Mary. In a recent Bible study class, we discussed the Canaanite Woman whose daughter was healed of being demon-possessed. The woman was likely a Gentile Canaanite and initially was a worshiper of idols and polytheism. Yet, she demonstrated an unlikely audacity in seeking out healing for her daughter from Jesus.

That is what is so interesting about finding out that May is named for and celebrated for the strength of women. Please remember that typically, women (and slaves) were treated very poorly as a rule. Women were to be seen and not heard.

Let us think back on at least a few women who demonstrated courage in the New Testament. First, the Canaanite woman. She boldly addressed Jesus, as “Lord, Son of David,” asking Him to relieve her daughter of the demons that taunted her. By addressing Jesus in this particular manner, she was acknowledging her belief in His Power to heal. She was pushing aside the failed attempts at “gods” or idols that proved fruitless and was coming forward in faith.

How about the “woman at the well”? We never really know her name but contextually we recognize that she would not be categorized as a “woman of integrity.”  Even when she was bold enough to speak to Jesus, or when she received His comments with openness, and most of all when she courageously answered all His questions that could have indicted her – she showed a great deal of courage and growing faith. Not only when she was talking to Jesus, but also in her actions of running back to the town to explain her experience about learning about “Living Water.” 

Then there is Mary Magdalene. It was at least rumored that she had a questionable history of ethics. There are conflicting reports as to whether it was her reputation or some sort of possession, but nonetheless she symbolized a need to be healed. When she was healed, she didn’t just walk away like the nine lepers, but took a much different and bolder approach. She traveled with Jesus throughout His Ministry, caring for Him, and ultimately kneeling at the base of the cross as her Lord was crucified. Of course, we all recall the Biblical recantation of Mary Magdalene being present on Resurrection Day!

Lastly, but certainly not exhaustively, let us think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Regardless of your bent towards specific religions, let us reflect on the following first part of this Catholic prayer:

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.

“Blessed art thou among women” …….why? Mary was a young girl of probably only 14 or 15 years old. On the surface, she does not seem qualified to be labeled “blessed.”  Yet, she was visited by an angel declaring to her that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, even though she was unmarried. In the days of old, so to speak, a pregnancy of an unwed girl could be cause for stoning without any defense. Yet, God chose this specific young woman to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. In fact, for the rest of her earthly life she carried many burdens that some of us thankfully will never have to feel. We all know that the loss of a child is the worst possible experience. Not only did she carry this child, with likely murmurings and gossip, but she also watched Him die. She was a “chosen” woman, by God, who personified magnificent bravery and strength. No wonder the month of May is set apart to celebrate women’s strengths.

In His Divine Word, God created several spotlights for the representation of women and their attributes. To be true, there are a few that do not exactly qualify in this category. We all know those stories as well. Yet, in a historical era in which women were cast aside, God made sure to lift us up, to highlight our courage, and to demonstrate to all people the hope that lies ahead for all women of God.

PRAYER: 

Creator God, help us to recognize the specialness of each individual. You made each one of us with a capacity to thrive and be bold in our faith. Help us each day to demonstrate that faith through our words and actions. Help us to step out in faith without fear or reservation. AMEN.

Enjoyed April Showers Bring May Flowers?

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