First Reading:  Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 2 or 1: 1, 26-31a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104: 1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35 or Psalms 33: 4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20 and 22 Second Reading: Genesis 22: 1-18 or 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Gospel:  Luke 24: 1-12

The Holy Saturday Reflection is by, Ms. Lucy Monari, JCAM Safeguarding Coordinator.

The events of the Easter season no doubt point to profound happenings that are at the very heart of the history of salvation. While there are key personalities that play vital roles in the stories, the role of the women cannot be underrated. Even against adversely prevalent cultures and social structures, women have a role in practically any sector of life. In the gospel (Lk. 24:1-12), St Luke narrates how the women are the first to arrive at the tomb early in the morning to witness the resurrection and how the apostles dismissed their account until one of them doublechecked the women’s account. However, the women do not disengage from the apostles; they form part of the disciples and the early church, supporting and ministering to the disciples. In essence, they become the invisible force that supports the spread of the early church.

The experience of the women at the resurrection and their role in the mission of the church gives me insights to reflect on myself, my role at the JCAM and my engagement in my family. I strongly believe that I have participated in the mission of the church in more ways than one. But it doesn’t always happen without challenges, sometimes in the most profound and discouraging moments. As a mother of two, including a raging teenager, I often worry about whether I have taken the right actions to ensure that my teenage son is safe and remains focused in school. I wonder if he will manoeuvres this delicate phase of life successfully without losing his faith. Sometimes, I speak passionately about faith, prayer, and Christian life, and I quietly wonder whether he really believes in what I am saying, cognizant of the effect of social media and peer influence. Upon reflection, I continue to do my best in the background with the faith that this will eventually inform his journey of faith, even if it’s later in life.

At my workspace as Safeguarding Coordinator at JCAM, the role brings the challenges of safeguarding conversations to the fore. From the global church, the African context, and the Jesuit networks safeguarding issues are real. Needless to say, the safeguarding conversation is one that is embraced and pushed back in equal measure, depending on the context and even individual dispositions, which are not the subject here. My reflection here is my conviction on the importance and reality of safeguarding and its centrality to the mission of the church, from whatever angle it is viewed.  The challenges notwithstanding the concern for the well-being of all in the church cannot be negated.

In my parenting role and discharge of my duties at work, I draw my strength and encouragement this Easter from the three women at the tomb. Even in their efforts to follow the Easter mystery, they are not discouraged from narrating their account and supporting the early church. Their firm faith and conviction are my inspiration and motivation as I reflect on the mystery of the Risen Lord.

Amen.