“Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities” (Lk 8:1-2).

As Jesus journeyed, he preached and proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom with others by his side, the Twelve and other women. Three women were named: Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Susanna. Mary is often referred to as a penitent prostitute or the sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50, but there is no Scriptural evidence to support either claim. We do read in today’s account that Jesus had expelled seven demons from Mary. Joanna and Susanna were also healed in some way. Luke reveals that they were also benefactors of the early missionary work of Jesus and the Twelve. Mary was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, and she and Joanna are mentioned again at the empty tomb and are the first to hear about the Resurrection of Jesus.

Part of the preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom was restoring and building relationships, and even in today’s short Gospel passage, we can see the presence of an early community forming around Jesus that will continue to grow and be more fully expressed in the beginning of the Book of Acts, Luke’s second volume.

Where do Jesus’ followers and their early community come from? They come from encountering his preaching and proclamation, healing and exorcisms. We too can encounter Jesus ourselves. For we not only hear or read the Word, we can experience again and anew Jesus each day through a practice called Ignatian contemplation or imaginative prayer in which we can meditate on a particular passage by placing ourselves in the biblical scene.

In today’s Gospel, read again that first vivid line: “Jesus traveled from one town and village to another”. Stop there, close your eyes and imagine what happened as Jesus journeyed. Allow all of your senses to come alive and experience traveling with Jesus. Hear the crunching of stone and sand under your sandalled feet, smell the dust kick up in your nose, feel the sweat build on your brow, and the salt taste from that bead of sweat that just entered your mouth, and look up and see Jesus striding just off to your left!

Resist the temptation of attempting to get all the details historically accurate, just embrace the opportunity to pilgrimage with some premier guides: Jesus, Peter, and Mary Magdalene! Walk with them for a while and observe as Jesus pulls up short, stops, sits, and begins to teach. What does he share with you and the others gathered around him? Embrace the gift of saying yes to Jesus’ invitation to come and follow him. Stay with this verse or phrase for a few days and journey with Jesus, the Twelve, Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and the others. They are beckoning us to join them! Come and see. Hope to see you there!!!

Link for today’s Mass reading:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092217.cfm

Photo Credit: Jack McKee