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Mirrors of the Gospel
Bible Study Lessons on Women of Virtue
The Vatican II document, The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), urges us to turn our eyes to Mary, “who shines forth to the whole community of the elect as the model of virtues” (Lumen Gentium, 65). In the essays in this issue, we have focused on Mary as an example for all of us of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. It seems as if nothing speaks to our hearts so deeply as the living witness of holiness, whether the witness comes from antiquity or our own day. Thankfully, scripture is full of such examples. The following Bible studies focus on women whose righteousness, courage, and faith still speak to us today. As you work through these studies, ask the Holy Spirit to help you open your heart more fully to God and his plan for your life. When we understand how the Lord wants to transform us by his love to be more like him, we can better cooperate with this work in the course of our daily lives.
Bible Study 1—Women of the Old Testament
Read Ruth 1:1-18; Esther 4:1-17; and Judith 16:1-16.
Choose one of these women and find out more about her character. Focus your search on the way that this woman exhibited faith in God’s power and trust that he would protect her.
What were the primary challenges that this woman faced? What connection can you see between this woman’s faith and her courage in the midst of a dangerous or trying situation?
How did this woman demonstrate loyalty, both to God and to the people of God? Why do you think such loyalty would be pleasing to the Lord?
Bible Study 2—Women of the New Testament
Read about Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45; Anna in Luke 2:36-38; and Mary Magdalene in Mark 15:40-41 and John 20:1-18.
Elizabeth, Anna and Mary Magdalene were all given the grace of “seeing” Jesus as Lord. Can you detect in these passages what may have predisposed them to recognize Jesus? For each woman, make a chart listing these qualities.
Paul once wrote: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). How did these women’s relationship with God give them a deep sense of hope? How were these hopes fulfilled?
How did each of these women become a proclaimer of the gospel? How does our “seeing” the Lord in prayer and scripture increase our desire to spread the Good News?
Bible Study 3—The Joys of Mary
The following Bible Study is intended for children and those who work with them.
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary are a wonderful way of helping children come to know more about Mary. Ask the children to choose a particular mystery and illustrate it (the Annunciation–Luke 1:26-38; the Visitation–Luke 1:39-56; the Nativity–Luke 2:1-20; the Presentation –Luke 2:22-40; the Finding in the Temple–Luke 2:41-51).
How would Mary be feeling during each of these events? Put these drawings together to make a booklet of the Joyful Mysteries or display them on the wall in the classroom or at home. Older children can work in small groups to discuss one of the Joyful Mysteries. Have them come up with a list of the qualities exhibited by Mary in each of these events: faith, trust, courage, love for God and others. Then ask them to write down one or two situations they might face in their own lives in which these qualities would help them to act more like Mary. One member of each group can present the findings to the others.
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