Why Men Lead the Church, but Women are the Backbone

In this homily delivered on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, we reflect on a truth that is both ancient and urgently relevant today: while men may be called to lead liturgically and sacramentally, the Church is sustained, day in and day out, by the unseen, unwavering labor of women. From the Gospel accounts of Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, and the other myrrh-bearers—those who followed Christ even to the tomb—we are reminded that the first proclaimers of the Resurrection were not the Apostles, but faithful women whose love did not waver when the world seemed lost.

That same spirit endures today in the lives of women who, without applause or public recognition, form the very backbone of parish life. This homily explores how their quiet ministries—raising children, preparing meals, showing hospitality, comforting the suffering, and building community—are not peripheral to the mission of the Church, but central to it. Their work is not behind the scenes; it is the structure upon which everything else stands.

The Church is not simply a place of worship. It is a living family, held together not just by doctrine and ritual, but by sacrificial love—love most often carried on the shoulders of its women. In this sermon, we consider how coffee hour becomes a form of sacred hospitality, how motherhood becomes a vocation of spiritual leadership, and how faithful women—past and present—carry a burden that mirrors Christ’s own self-giving love.

This is not a sentimental acknowledgment; it is a theological truth. Without the daily sacrifices of women in our communities, the Church would not flourish. It would not even survive. Their witness continues the work of the myrrh-bearers, proclaiming life where the world expects only death, and offering strength where few are willing to look.

If you’ve ever wondered where the Church’s true strength lies—or what it really means to build Christian community—this homily offers clarity, challenge, and encouragement. May we honor those who serve without being seen, and may we all learn to live with the same quiet, powerful faith.