THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
a) Highlight nine roles played by women in the resurrection stories according to the synoptic gospels.
b) Identify three roles played by women in the church today.
A) ROLES WOMEN PLAYED IN THE RESURRECTION STORIES ACCORDING TO THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (MATTHEW 28:1-10, MARK 16:1-11, LUKE 24:1-11)
i . According to the Synoptic gospels, women were the first to go to the tomb of Jesus.
ii. Matthew wrote that the women went to the tomb after the Sabbath was fully completed. Mark said it was after the Sabbath had passed and very early in the morning at the rising of the sun.
iii. The women were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. Luke added Joana, the wife of Chuza.
iv. According to Mark, these four women brought sweet spices to anoint the body of Jesus for further embalming.
v. While on their way, the women wondered who would help them roll away the rock at the entrance of the tomb.
vi. Mathew, however, reported that there was a great earthquake before the women got there.
vii. An angel of the Lord from heaven rolled back the stone and sat upon it.
viii. For fear of the angel, the guards were frightened and became like dead men.
ix. The angel told the women not to be afraid, for Jesus had risen and they should come and see where he was laid.
x. The angel told them to go quickly and tell the disciples that he had arisen and was going to Galilee where they would meet him.
xi. Matthew did not say that the angel appeared to the women but only to the guards.
xii. According to Mark, when the women entered the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right side, in a white robe and when they went in, they did not find the body of Jesus; thus, they were perplexed.
xiii. The women then saw the vision of the angel who gave them information regarding the resurrection of Christ.
xiv. They were asked to inform the disciples. Mark made emphasis to Peter.
xv. The women left quickly from the tomb with awe and ran to tell the disciples that Jesus had arisen.
xvi. But before then, Jesus had appeared to them, saluting them, 'Hail' as they took hold of his feet and worshipped him.
(B) ROLES OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH TODAY
i. Some women study hard and with faith, they become Pastors, Rev. Sisters, and Prophetesses/ some women are powerful prayer warriors.
ii. Others also help as lay readers and Catechists/ Ushers/ Evangelists/ Preachers.
iii. They help in the liturgy by joining the choir to sing in the church.
iv. Some give out their properties (like houses) for the use of the church, e.g. cell/home fellowship meetings, leaders meetings, etc.
v. Others adopt and raise Priests out of their bounty/ become benefactors.
vi. Most of the cleaning activities to keep the church tidy and other church decorations are spearheaded by women.
vii. Women also play major roles in the running of orphanages, crèches, schools and vocational institutions of churches.
viii. Charity works of the church like distribution of aids and catering for the poor, sick and the marginalised are mostly done by women/ distribution of communion elements.
ix. Several women societies are formed to help or support the running of the church, e.g. Women's Fellowship, Christian Mothers, etc.
x. Organising seminars/workshops/ counselling sessions.
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