St. John in his epistle addresses “the children,” “the fathers,” and “the young men.” He does not explicity address “the mothers” or “the young women.” Contrast that with St. Luke who goes out of his way to mention the presence of women in the life and mission of Jesus. Obviously Mary plays a major role in Luke’s Gospel. In addition right at the beginning of his life Luke notices the female perspective. There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher there when Jesus was presented in the temple. Luke mentions that a group of women including Mary Magdalene financed the Jesus movement. He included parables where women are the protagonists. The Church must make sure that everyone feels included.
