With Miriam, who with Moses and Aaron
led the people of Israel out of Egypt;
with Deborah, who judged the people of Israel
in truth and righteousness;
with Ruth, who was an example of faithfulness;
with Mary Magdalen, who first
brought the good news of the resurrection;
with Phoebe, deacon and leader of the early Church;
with Priscilla, who labored with Aquila
in the service of Christ;
with Dorcas, who spent herself doing good
and helping the poor;
with Mary the mother of Jesus,
who said “yes” with no holding back.
With these, our sisters,
We pray for women everywhere who see
their families divided,
their children sad;
we pray for women who against all odds
create a good place
for their families to live in;
we pray for women who,
when tempted to give up,
find new strength from their sisters
and go on. Amen.
By: B. D’Arcy
Excerpted from Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors, National Pastoral Life Center Editorial Board (St. Anthony Messenger Press).
