Women in Salvation History – An upright life in crooked lines. Mt 1:1-17

As I meditated through the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, I was deeply moved by the role of women in salvation history. This passage is often seen as a list of names, with controversial names of women in history, yet there is so much more than that meets the eye. A powerful story of faith, a story of courage and the unwavering grace of God at work in unexpected ways. The women mentioned from Tamar, Rahab, Ruth to Bathsheba (though named as the Uriah’s wife), and finally our mother Mary, stand as powerful reminders of how God uses ordinary people, often in extraordinary circumstances, to fulfill His divine plan.

These women lived in times and situations that were very trying and far from easy. Their lives were marked by trials, cultural marginalization, and, in some cases, scandal. Yet, despite the odds, they played pivotal roles in the unfolding of salvation history. They remind us that God’s plan is not hindered by human frailty or the complexities of life. He can and does write a straight story even with crooked lines. Take Tamar, for instance, whose story in Genesis is one of resilience and justice in a society where her rights were overlooked. Rahab, a Canaanite woman whose faith in the God Most High, the God of our ancestors, and the very same God of Israel led her to protect the spies and, ultimately, become part of the lineage of the Messiah. Ruth, a Moabite widow, who chose loyalty and love, the virtues of God Most High, she chooses to follow her mother-in-law Naomi and to embracing the will of God Most High, wherever it may lead her. The same will that brought her to Boaz and secure her a special place in this sacred lineage.

Bathsheba’s story was not an easy one either. She went through profound complexity in her journey, from loosing a husband to be caught up in power play and lust of the most powerful man in her town, yet in the midst of it all she trusted in the Lord, and through her struggles came through Solomon, the wise king who continued David’s line. And then there is our Lady, mother Mary, who hold a special place for us Catholics, the humble virgin and mother from little village of Nazareth, whose “yes” to God changed the entire course of history as we know it, and changed it forever. In her, we see the ultimate example of faith and obedience, a young woman who trusted God completely. As it is often said in the scriptures, “Mary kept all these in here heart!”. Even when the path before her seemed uncertain and challenging she still said “I’m the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to His will.

Each of these women inspires me in a unique way. They remind us that God’s work in our lives is not limited by our circumstances and never lost in the circumstantial underpinnings of everyday life. These stories speak to the enduring strength and power of faith. The faith of women who, despite societal challenges, became vessels of God’s grace. The women in this salvation story also remind us of the invaluable contributions of the women in our own lives, our mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends who quietly and faithfully serve, often in the background, making sacrifices and giving their best in love and service for others. As I reflect on their stories, I am reminded of Jesus’ words about another woman who anointed Him: “Wherever this Gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her” (Matthew 26:13). These women in the genealogy not only warranted recognition, they are a testament of power of faith even in the times so trying. They are an inspiration for their faith and courage that will forever echo throughout eternity and in all the ages to come.

Today, we too are called to recognize the indispensable role of women in our families, communities, and the Church. Their contributions are immeasurable, and their faith is often the bedrock upon which families and ministries stand. We owe much to their wisdom, love, and resilience. Let us be inspired by these women of the Gospel and those in our lives. May their example encourage us to trust in God’s plan, no matter how uncertain or difficult our circumstances may seem. And may we honor and support the women around us, recognizing their dignity and their vital role in God’s ongoing story of salvation.

May the Lord bless the good works of all women, our mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends for their astounding contributions to the service of the Lord and His Church. Their faith, like that of the women in the genealogy of Jesus, continues to shape the world and bring us closer to God’s kingdom. In a special way I would like to pray to my own mother, Pauline Mahilane Mukulu, who will always be a bedrock of exemplary faith in God Most High, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I also pray to all the women, religious and laity who continue to do great service in the vineyard of the Lord.

For all the exemplary women that have already Gone before the Lord, may the Lord bring them to everlasting life Amen. And for those continuing the great service in the same vineyard of the Lord, May the Lord bless them and keep them from all evil and keep them in the eternal presence of the Lord, Amen.