Galilean Women Follow Jesus

Like the eagle, enticing its young ones to fly, our Lord, step by step, raises up His disciples to heavenly things. He first of all teaches in the synagogues, and performs miracles. He next chooses twelve whom He names Apostles; He afterwards takes them alone with Him, as He preached throughout the cities and villages, as it follows, And the twelve were with him.

But lest it should seem that the women were hindered from following Christ, it is added, "And certain women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils." They were not teaching or preaching, but to be instructed by Him.

It was a Jewish custom, nor was it thought blamable, according to the ancient manners of that nation, that women should give food and clothing to their teachers. This custom, as it might cause offense to the Gentiles, St. Paul relates he had cast off. But these ministered to the Lord from their donations, that He might reap their physical gifts, from whom they had reaped spiritual gifts. Not that the Lord needed the food of His creatures, but that He might set an example to masters, that they ought to be content with food and clothing from their disciples.

References:
Catena Aurea (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Explanations on the New Testament (St. Theophylact of Ochrid)
Commentariorum In Evangelium Matthaei (St. Jerome)