This year reading through the events of Jesus’ last week, the unsung players stand out. The women. Throughout history, their role has been downplayed, going all the way back to the Resurrection when they brought back news of the empty tomb and the disciples dismissed their words as nonsense.

Sometimes as an exercise in reflection and worship, especially for Holy Days, I’ll add verses to old hymns. This week while adding verses in the style and to the tune of “’Man of Sorrows,’ What a Name,” by Philip P. Bliss, I’ve considered the possibility (probability?) that the women understood how Jesus was the hero of the story, much more so than they’ve been given credit for.

Bang, clang, clink, they give with pride.
Then the widow shares her mite.
“Theirs is small, and hers is wide.”
Hallelujah, Jesus sees us!

Mary uses rich perfume
to prepare Christ for the tomb.
Brothers scoff, but He’d made room.
Hallelujah, Jesus frees us!

Ten young women with their lights,
watching, waiting through the night.
Five are wise, with Christ abide.
Hallelujah, Jesus warns us!

Women bravely at the cross,
witness to the pain and loss.
Others run, but they stand watch.
Hallelujah, Jesus holds us!

Sunday dawns on dark of hell.
Women find an empty shell.
“All is well. Now, go and tell!”
Hallelujah, Jesus sends us!

Mary lingers near the tomb,
weeping, mourning for the doom.
Jesus comes! Comfort blooms!
Hallelujah, Jesus saves us!

Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash