A Village of Women: Love, Loss, and Resurrected Hope

A few weeks ago, I received heartbreaking news that a friend of mine was experiencing a family loss. In the midst of that sorrow, the women of our community lovingly rallied around her. Not only did they lift her and her family up in prayer from afar, but many also gathered around her in person to offer gentle prayers, warm embraces, and whatever support they could give.

I was especially moved by how quickly the meal train for her family was filled. By the time I had chosen a meal to prepare for her family, just two days after the sign-up was shared, it was already completely booked. More dates were made available to meet the outpouring of love from all the women in our community!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." -Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Heading into Holy Week, this experience brought to mind the faithful women who remained near Our Blessed Mother during the Passion of Our Lord. Matthew 27:55–56 says, “There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”

Those women did not turn away from the brutality of the Crucifixion. Instead, they remained, choosing to accompany not only Jesus on His way to the Cross, but also His Mother. They did not leave Mary alone in the midst of her deep sorrow; they loved her through her grief.

No one knew what would happen next. Yet Mary’s community of women surrounded her with a quiet vigilant support that provided hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Those same faithful women were there Easter morning! Because they never left, they were the first to find an empty grave and experience the joy of the Resurrection! Their steadfast love and faithfulness to Mary, in both her sorrow and her rejoicing, remind us that grief, fear, and despair are not the end of the story. Hope is always on the resurrected horizon. 

Hope is always on the resurrected horizon. 

A village of women is not only found, it is formed by those willing to be one first. Scripture tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10,  "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Mary is a beautiful example of a true and authentic “villager.” From the moment she gave her fiat, she allowed the Lord to use her in support of the mission and lives of those around her.

Despite the discomforts of her own pregnancy, she traveled a great distance to care for her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child (Luke 1:39–45). At the wedding at Cana, Mary noticed the lack of wine and gently prompted Jesus to perform His first miracle (John 2:1–11). After the Crucifixion, she remained with the disciples, the earliest leaders of the Church, praying with them in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14). 

Through the example of Mary, may we allow each small “yes” to become an avenue for the Lord to work through us for those in need around us. May we become women and true villagers who do not turn away from one another’s suffering, but instead remain present in times of grief as well as joy. And in return, may we be blessed with a community continuously renewing hope in one another!

Until next time, your sister in Christ,

Abby