Árdís - 01.01.1953, Page 46

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ÁRDÍ S
to Lydia’s home. She was an intelligent broadminded woman who
listened to the guiding voice of Christ and who used all her talents
in His service.
An interesting group of women of that time were the official
Widows. They had to be over sixty years of age, to have borne
children, but who were now free of all home cares. Their work
was manifold. They prayed, fasted, cared for younger widows,
orphans, and religious prisoners, and acted as door keepers at
divine services. Beside these duties, they were allowed to instruct
and prepare women for baptism and often spoke at marriages.
Administering unto the sick and needy was also required of them.
It was a busy useful life for women who had “retired” from active
homemaking.
Later much of this work was shared with deaconesses. Then
groups of canonesses was formed. These served at funerals. As
time went on, virgins formed a group of workers who dedicated
their lives and themselves to the service of Jesus and His church.
During the time of the early church, many wealthy converted
women gave of their wealth, as well as, of their time to support the
young church, often times holding services in their own homes,
and sheltering the weary apostles when they were harassed. One
wonders just how the early church would have survived without
the selfless devotions of these women.
The women of today are still the Women of the New Testament.
They are still faced with the same problems as were their sisters
of yore—a constant struggle against poverty, want, illness, high cost
of living, albeit modern convenience and security are theirs. More-
over, life isn’t void of all deeper meaning and of hope. Far from
it! Christ it is who makes the difference. He came into the world
bringing with Him the hope of salvation and everlasting life. He
gave women understanding, courage and dignity.
He gave marriage security and has raised women to a position
of respect and of equal importance to man.
Christ has never left the world but the clouded eyes of
humanity cannot see Him as He daily walks beside them and is
present at all gatherings and at all times. Women need only to call
Him in faith and belief, to have their needs and prayers granted
even as were those of the Woman of Canaan. He is waiting to