A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27
Today we celebrate the feast day of Phoebe, the deacon. She was an important and invaluable leader in the early church. The name Phoebe means radiance according to my Greek professor Dr Goetchius, who on meeting our newborn daughter Phoebe, look at her and told her what her name meant. He got so close and was loud, I thought she might cry. Instead, she smiled and kicked her feet. The early church had room for many leaders and did not discriminate against women if they could serve. Jesus never discriminated against women, rather, he healed them, praised them, and gave them the respect others did not. Phoebe was serving in Corinth, a town of sailors and seafarers and most likely ministered among the women (of ill-repute) in that city. She was important enough to be sent to Rome. She was fearless in her service and generous and kind in all her relationships. A woman to be admired and to model ourselves after.
Wondrous Creator, you made us in great diversity
across the ages you provided servant leaders
who are fearless in their faith and their works.
Too often we criticize those who would serve
seeing their failing and calling them untraditional
forgetting you honored women in your time.
Give us the strength and faith to serve like Phoebe
sharing all that with have for the needs among us
and living the Gospel of love in troubling times. Amen.
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