Strong women in the BibleFr Niko Bilić SJ www.ffdi.hr/amdg

Woman Image of God, blessed

(Gen 1:26-28; 5:1s) Created, not from the dust of

the ground (2:7.19) inner human life, emotion

Rib – a bone protecting human heart (2:22)

Answer to human loneliness (2:18) – divine communion

Eve – the mother of all who live (Gen 3:20) Bravely countered the lie 3:2

In communication, remembering

Not accusing and condemning Mother

in spite of labor pains 3:16 “with the help of the Lord” 4:1 “God has given me another one

(25) other sons and daughters 5:4

Deeply human conversion Deceived, left alone, judged,

maternal tragedy Yet without “no” to life

Faithful to her family

Bearer of the proto-euangelion 3:15

Miriam (Ex 15:20)

First prophetess – related to the Redemption “The Lord has triumphed gloriously...” 15:1.21

answer” to the great song“ ענה Universal leader (כל “all”; אחריה “after her”)

15:20 New meaning: שירו šîrû - sing!

Aaron’s sister: liturgical role, oldest report? Authority even when leprous (Num 12:15) Saving little Moses in Ex 2? next to the Saviour (Mic 6:4)

The fruitful vow of the mother Hannah (1 Sam 1s) First female vow in the Bible 1 Sam 1:11

Sacrificing the firstborn 1:28 – correction? Ongoing care 2:19

Without children, constantly insulted psychosomatic symptoms

“pouring out her soul” (1:15) Remember me! (11), he remembered (19)

Essential change Effective defense before the priest (15) New face (18) Her decision respected (22) Leader of the family (24) 4 sons, 2 daughters 2:21

Prayer of the mother of the nation 2:1-10

A pagan woman before Jesus

On the ground Mt 15:25 Mother of a daughter tormented

by a demon (22) Threefold failure of her petition Insult: “dogs” (26)

“Satan” Mt 16,23 turns the insult to her argument Bread (26) i crumbs (27) Great faith (28) – only person

Generous answer: “as you wish” “For you and for all”...

Germain-Jean DROUAIS, Le Christ et la Cananéenne

09.06.09.

Λυδια – a European Christian

“worshipper of God” (Acts 16:14) Respecting the day of the Lord listening

In the community

Business-woman, manager Owns a house (Acts 16:15) Powerful: “she prevailed” Hospitable also after they were

imprisoned 16:40 Submitted to their judgment

v15 In her home: “brothers and

sisters” (αδελφοι v40) Paul encourages them

παρακαλεω

For discussion

Did you have similar experiences in your life? What helps you to achieve more personal

space and be more generous? How do you create a place for the Church?

יהוה רעי לא אחסר’Adonaj ro’i lo’ ‘ehsar

Le Seigneur est mon bergerRien ne suarait me manquer

Deborah (Judges 4 and 5)

Judge and prophetess, mother Like a bee דבורה debôrâ

20 years oppression (4:3) 40 yrs of peace (5:31) Bringing the Word of God to the chosen one

The Lord has commanded 4:6 He went out before you 4:14

“I will surely go with you” 4:9 God confirms

“Panic” among enemies המם(4:15 Exod 14:24)

He goes לפני lifnê in front Effective strategy

with the Mount Tabor (6.14) Deborah calls: “Bless the Lord!” 5:2.9

Mary Magdalene – the messenger of joy

First with the Risen Lord (Mk 16:9) Liberated from total obsession (Mk

16:9; Lk 8:2) Follower from Galilee (Mt 27:55;

Mk 15:41: Lk 8:2) Under the cross (Joh 19:25) Faithfull to the deceased (Joh

20:2) “my Lord” (Joh 20:13) “I will take him away” (15)

First to know about ascension (17) Bringing the good news (18)

Mary – woman

Pure in heart – blessed (Mt 5:8) needs encouragement of the angel Searching for God’s grace (Lk 1:30) Suffering because of the lack of

communication Searching for her child in great

anxiety (Lk 2:48) Trying to hurry up the Messiah (Joh

2:5) “Let it be” Gen 1; Lk 1,38; Mk 14:36 Encounter with the Risen Lord

remains mysterious

Dieu est mon roc, mon espérance

Dieu est mon roc, et mon salut