Three purposeful Women

This is an artist's portrayal of three women who set out to visit the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth on the first day of the week, the third day after the crucifixion of Jesus. Considering the perplexed face in this painting, it is likely that this meeting of the three women would in all probability have been prior to their visit to the tomb in the early morning. This narration is found in the first ten verses of Luke:24. 

The painter gives away some insights about this woman in this piece of art. They are on their own, outside a building, in the field, being with each other in a state of suspense, anxiety and appears sorrowful. Two of them wear light coloured dress with a bright scarf covering their head. Going by their dress, they were expectant and hopeful of the resurrection as Jesus o the third day.  The third woman wearing a dark dress, and grey scarf was perhaps still in a mourning spirit. 

What made me drawn towards this picture is the pursuit of these three women. They were searching for Jesus. This common interest brought them together. Two appeared searching for the risen Jesus and the other woman for Jesus in the tomb to offer spices as an act of her worship and adoration of Jesus. 

This is the reality even today. Some live with hope and anticipation when everything around is contrary to it. Such a hope comes from belief and trust. To trust is most demanding. To give up is natural and common. Those who are habituated to trust are the means for change. We live among people who have no reason or inspiration to trust. And yet, we can only be companions to them accommodating and befriending them as the two women did to their friend. 

In verse 10 of Luke.24, the the gospel writer names these women as Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary, mother of James. They were the ones who returned to the 11 disciples of Jesus to tell them about the resurrection of Jesus, after the two angels appeared to the three women at the open grave and announced the resurrection of Jesus.  

The eleven disciples remained huddled together in a room in fear or anxiety and the three women risked to go the tomb. They became good news bearers.

The artist pays tribute to the three women, who became messengers of resurrection! They had purposed in their hearts to be forerunners of a mission- encourage who were in despair.

There are more women than men in the  counselling profession, teaching, nursing, social work, etc. Let me commend women for leading the way by serving and bringing hope in difficult situations. They did two thousand years ago and they continue the same even today! Women lead by their example.

M.C. Mathew(text and photo)