Greetings on this the Monday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14; John 12:1-11
Summary
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone.
Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (Jn 12:7-8)
Reflection
The commingling of the anointing/blessing by Mary, Jesus’ prediction of the day of my burial, and the reason for the festival and the cause of the final plot to kill Jesus, is almost an uncontemplatable convergence of divine actions amid the certainty of death. Holy Week leads us through this dark valley. Sure in the promise of Resurrection but every bit real in grief and hardship. This is why the Church always speaks of two things: Horizon and Charity. Even in the darkest moments, we are reminded.
Charity – Chesed Shel Emet (True Kindness) – True kindness—chesed shel emet—is traditionally seen in burying the dead, an act that cannot be repaid. Mary anticipates this with her anointing. A kindness given with no expectation of return. Mary embodies this.
Horizon – Resurrection is our Final End. Our final end. Our certainty beyond the present darkness. Mary hopes for this.
Blessed Anointing
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil (Jn 12:3).
Death Prediction
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial (Jn 12:7).
Festival
The large crowd of the people found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead (Jn 12:9).
Plot to Kill Jesus and Lazarus
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the people were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him (Jn 12:10-11).
The Horizon (Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14)
R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
When evildoers come at me
to devour my flesh,
My foes and my enemies
themselves stumble and fall.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me,
even then will I trust.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Personal Reflection
In the most difficult time, Jesus chooses to remember Mary and her anointing him. Her compassion that transcends the difficulties of the day and remembers the Horizon of love. May we be like Mary this day. Love with true kindness without hope of servile gain. But to share the Horizon with Jesus.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033026.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry