We’ve learned always to call them Disciples–
that special class of more-than-human ones
who followed Jesus long ago. Apples
to cumquats, them to us. Even with flaws,
are far beyond what we could ever be.
They all would end as martyrs–be called Saints–
all holy men of God, who faithfully
would spread the word through all the continents.
…
The Bible called them “students,” and the name
for Jesus, “Teacher” — “Rabbi.” Could we learn
to be like them if we would take the same
more modest title? In first grade could earn
a star for listening, for playing fair,
for cleaning up our messes, learn to share.
– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, March 25, 2013
Views from the Edge 
and women ….
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Yes. “And women.” But the “disciples” our generation was raised to revere were men, not the real disciples of women and men. There’s a great juxtaposition, as you know so well, between the patriarchal lens, which shaped our seeing, and reality itself. I’d be interested to hear your exegesis of this Sunday’s Easter text (Gospel of John 20:1-18). It’s a text that both exposes and explodes the patriarchal assumptions. Please tell me what you think.
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And maybe, just maybe, We really need to learn just who they were and the times they lived in…
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