Commentary of the Gospell

October 24, 2022

Giving Voice to the Voiceless

Like the raising of the son of the widow of Nain (cf. Lk 7:11-17), here is another occasion when Jesus responds to the situation of a woman without being asked to. Why does he do so? Of course, it has been in the DNA of Jesus to be moved by compassion for those who suffer. Yet, there is more to it in this context. Perhaps Jesus was keenly aware of the silencing and sidelining of women in patriarchal societies. How many women, even today, can fearlessly voice their needs? Hence, Jesus, who knew human hearts, wouldn’t wait for women to walk up to him and ask for what they need; he would reach out to them and fulfil their needs even before they could find their voice. Today we honor the memory of Saint Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870) who appropriated that trait of Jesus. Claret was ahead of his times to speak against slavery and demand dignified treatment of slaves, while he was archbishop in Cuba.

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines