I just finished reading a book about the “Three Women of Easter”. Three women poured out their lives and love for their beloved Teacher, Jesus. Three women shared the same name – Mary.

Remember Mary of Bethany? She anointed Jesus’ feet with her priceless perfume; she dried them with her beautiful long hair. Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus, saw Him take his first breath and watched him breathe His last. Mary Magdalene was witness at the empty tomb; it was she who proclaimed this good news to His disciples. All three had experienced the love of Jesus; all three loved him to the end. In an age when men were noted more frequently, our gospel writers chose to tell of the love of these three women.

I’ve been contemplating what I might learn from their stories. Now I’m not a feminist trying to elevate the lives of these women above those of the men. That’s just not true. But what I do see, is that all three women were “present.” They weren’t vocal like Peter; they didn’t preach like Paul. But they were there. They did not run away. Whether they sat at Jesus feet or at the foot of the cross, they were faithful to their Lord. Who would witness the empty tomb, but the women who came to serve him. Their service was quiet, but all three overflowed with love for Jesus.

I’m reminded that we too can serve our Jesus quietly. All around us are sisters and brothers who suffer, who mourn, and who are in pain. Perhaps we can serve them and our Lord, just by “being there.” We can show our love for Jesus, by sharing it with those in need.

I can’t preach great sermons on TV. I can’t sing like an angel. I can’t perform miracles of healing. Perhaps you can’t either. But we can “be there” for someone who needs us, who needs to know of God’s love for them. This unconditional love was given to me; this unconditional love is freely given to you. Like the three Marys we can show that love in our own quiet ways.

Judy