Encounters between Jesus and Women offers both biblical study and reflective input into each woman that Jesus encountered in the Gospel tradition. Beginning with Mary of Nazareth, the book provides a chapter by chapter insight into each of the women in the Gospel and what the account says about God's relationship with women, women's choices, their expression of faith and their interpretation of discipleship. Each chapter ends with a prayer, capturing the essence of the relationship between Jesus and women. The book is easy to read, written with a wide readership in mind. It invites people today to re-read the Gospel passages with a view to deepen their understanding of the role of women within Christian circles. The encounters of these women with Jesus challenges us to reconsider the current role of women in the Church, the possibility of new ministries for women, the need for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, the importance of hospitality and pastoral care. Through a comprehensive examination, Encounters between Jesus and Women shines a light upon the profound impact that women had on the life of Jesus and that Jesus had on the life of women. Margaret shows that Jesus' encounters with women were not just a series of random meetings but central to his whole message, mission and personhood. In a manner that is both scholarly and pastoral, the author highlights the profound respect, rapport and empathy that Jesus had with women and offers a clear direction for the future of Christianity. Ron Hassarati, author of The one thing God cannot do and Found by God To be reminded of the many, perhaps previously unnoticed women, who encountered Jesus might compel us to return to the Gospels with eyes wide open. Ghosn, in her pastoral and reflective manner, seeks to do this and so heighten our appreciation for the role of women in the Christian story and to rethink the role of women in today's Church. Rev Dr John Frauenfelder, Mission Services, Adult Faith Formation, Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Broken Bay In this very readable work, Dr Ghosn takes a fresh look at the women of the New Testament, exploring their biblical representations through a contemporary lens, and adding prayerful reflections that call readers to reflect on their own discipleship. Dr Carmel Davis, Lecturer in Spirituality, Catholic Institute of Sydney Margaret Ghosn is a Maronite Sister of the Holy Family, with a Master of Theology, Master of Education, Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Doctor of Ministry. She is an Adjunct Lecturer for the School of Theology in the Faculty of Arts at UTC, Charles Sturt University and holds an Honorary Fellowship at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy - ACU Campus Strathfield. Margaret is currently Principal at the Maronite College of the Holy Family.
