1779

Speaking of Sarahs, says Carl, what about our Sarah, and her two friends Jenn and Maureen. It would be nice if they could be here with us. "Yeah", says Francois, "It's a pity that we 're all men here." "Oh speak for yourself", barks Stella. "I happen to be both." "Better than nothing", I guess", quips Carl. "Oh be quiet and eat your peanuts", she says. "I will be sending for them and the others tomorrow", says Jesus. "What, do men get special privilege, being here first?" mutters Stella, as though unaware, rather, indifferent, of whose divine presence we all happen to be in right now. "No", replies our youthful Lord. "Then why were the twelve apostles all men?" "Those were the twelve recorded apostles. There were also my blessed mother here, the Magdalene, Susana, Johanna, other Maries, Martha, many others." "Oh yes, says Stella, "Patriarchy." "That and simple pragmatism", reples our Lord. "Those twelve men needed special and extra time with me as part of their formation. Not because their position was superior, but because as men, they were entirely way more selfish and self-centred than women, and needed particularly to be broken of those toxic tendencies if they were going to serve me well....