No wonder James and John are known as sons of thunder, having such an intrepid mother (see today's gospel Mt 20:17-28). I'd like to believe that this woman eventually became a disciple too and continued to inspire others to follow the Master courageously.
She reminds me of two other women disciples - Perpetua and Felicity - who celebrate the anniversary of their martyrdom today. In the account of Perpetua's martyrdom, we read, "that she might taste some pain, being pierced between the ribs, cried out loudly, and she herself placed the wavering right hand of the youthful gladiator to her throat. Possibly such a woman could not have been slain unless she herself had willed it."
For more of this inspiring account, you can visit, http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0324.htm
