Monday of Holy Week

April 8, 2020

Monday of Holy Week

April 6, 2020

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director for Retreat Ministry

 

Book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-7

Psalm 27

John 12:1-11

 

On this Monday of Holy Week we see Jesus at home with His friends Lazarus, Martha and Mary.  Our Lord has had an interesting relationship with them recently.  Lazarus had died and his two sisters questioned Him regarding His delayed return to Bethany.  Then Jesus, filled with deep feelings of love called Lazarus from the tomb, “Unbind him and set him free!”  In today’s Gospel narrative these four friends are dining together.  Wouldn’t you love to know what they talked about?

While they were “at table” Mary produces a bottle of expensive perfumed oil made of “genuine aromatic nard” and anoints Jesus’ feet and dried them with her hair.  Mary has shown her passionate unconditional love for her Lord.  Is it possible that Mary’s actions would lead to something else?  Could it be that Mary’s act of devotion touched our Lord’s heart in a special way? 

Isn’t it amazing that, just a few days later, Jesus mirrors this same action.  He kneels at the feet of His disciples and washed their feet.  Could it be that the loving friendship He found in Mary’s gesture offered an example for Him to demonstrate His loving friendship for His disciples?

It’s very possible that we learn some important things in life by receiving, and not just by doing.  And just maybe the true things in life, like love and friendship and discipleship are learned first by receiving. 

Today, and every day, may we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ and find that image of Jesus more complete in our lives in what He has done for us. 

Question of the Day:  How will you share what you receive from others in the manner which Jesus received the loving gift of love from Mary of Bethany?   

Prayer:  Lord God of mercy, unite your Church in the Holy Spirit that we may serve you with all our hearts and work together in unselfish love.  Amen.

Please continue to pray for the victims of the Coronavirus and for all who are affected by this unprecedented pandemic.

Prosit