Today the Holy Church commemorates Saints Johanna, Mary, and Salome, the Myrrhbearers.
Known in some traditions as "the faithful women," the visit of these three persons and other women to the tomb of Jesus on the first Easter morning is noted in the Gospel records of Matthew (28:1), Mark (16:1), and Luke (24:10). Joanna was the wife of Cuza, a steward in Herod's household (Lk. 8:3). Mary, the mother of James (the son of Alphaeus), was another of the women who faithfully provided care for Jesus and His disciples from the time of His Galilean ministry through His burial after the crucifixion. Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt. 27:56), joined with the women both at the cross and in the bringing of the spices to the garden tomb. These "faithful women" have been honored in the church through the centuries as examples of humble and devoted service to the Lord.
For all the faithful women
Who served in days of old,
To You shall thanks be given;
To all, their story told.
They served with strength and gladness
In tasks Your wisdom gave.
To You their lives bore witness,
Proclaimed Your power to save.
O God, for saints and servants,
Those named and those unknown
In whom through all the ages
Your light of glory shone,
We offer glad thanksgiving
And fervent prayer we raise
That faithful in Your service,
Our lives may sing Your praise.
All praise to God the Father!
All praise to Christ the Son!
All praise the Holy Spirit,
Who binds the Church in one!
With saints who went before us,
With saints who witness still,
We sing glad alleluias
And strive to do Your will. (LSB #855)
2 comments:
Fr Weedon,
Thank you for the summary of the Myrrhbearing women. As you may know, we named our eldest after one of them.
My question, not to pick but out of curiosity, is this: Which calendar are you using when you indicate that the Myrrhbearing women are commemorated on 3 August? I do not find this commemoration for this date in any Roman calendar (pre or post Vatican II), and one Eastern source lists only St Salome, but not all the rest.
Also, if you know, I'm curious why this date would be chosen? (Usually, as you know, these dates coincide with a heavenly birthday, transfer of relics, dedication of a basillica, etc.)
Inquiring minds...
Father, this is from the calendar adopted by the LCMS for its new service book. It did indeed move some of the dates around, but without providing rationales. Perhaps one of those who served on the lectionary committee - Pr. Stuckwisch comes to mind, or Pr. Maxwell - could answer your question.
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