Sunday, April 13, 2014

 

Monday of Holy Week

April 14, 2014
Monday of Holy Week
Is 42: 1-7 / Ps 27: 1, 2, 3, 13-14 / Jn 12: 1-11

Reading: Is 42: 1-7
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I have put my spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He does not shout or raise his voice proclamations are not heard in the streets. A broken reed he will not crush, nor will he snuff out the light of the wavering wick. He will make justice appear in truth. He will not waver or be broken until he has established justice on earth; the islands are waiting for his law. Thus says God, Yahweh, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread the earth and all that comes from it, who gives life and breath to those who walk on it: I, Yahweh, have called you for the sake of justice; I will hold your hand to make you firm; I will make you as a covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations, to open eyes that do not see, to free captives from prison, to bring out to light those who sit in darkness.   

Gospel: Jn 12: 1-11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where he had raised Lazarus, the dead man, to life. Now they gave a dinner for him, and while Martha waited on them, Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus. Then Mary took a pound of costly perfume made from genuine nard and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Judas, son of Simon Iscariot - the disciple who was to betray Jesus - remarked, "This perfume could have been sold for three hundred dinarii and turned over to the poor." Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief and as he held the common purse, he used to help himself to the funds. But Jesus spoke up, "Leave her alone. Was she not keeping it for the day of my burial? (The poor you always have with you, but you will not always have me.)" Many Jews heard that Jesus was there and they came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests thought about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the Jews were drifting away because of him and believing in Jesus.

Reflection:
     Jesus and his apostles are in the house of Lazarus, Martha and Mary to celebrate Lazarus' new life. Many and varied people are there. Some came out of curiosity to see Lazarus who was raised from the dead. Most probably the chief priests came to thank him for the miracle. As there are varied people, there are also varied purposes and expectations. Martha as the hostess is in the kitchen preparing the meal, while Lazarus is sitting with the Lord and his apostles. It is at this point that Mary brings out a bottle of costly perfume and pours much of it on Jesus' feet. There are varied reactions that cause division in the group. The chief priest is probably jealous because many believe in Jesus because of his miracle. So the chief priest leaves them. Judas Iscariot, an apostle himself, criticizes the uselessness of Mary's use of the perfume. But Jesus takes the opportunity to explain that Mary is doing it for his burial. Also he adds that the poor will be around, but that he, as teacher, will not be always around.
     Let us think of this. It is the season of Lent and Jesus is telling us something here. Can we do something to show our love for God and our concern for our neighbors?
     Lord, teach us the secret of your love. Strengthen and help us in our resolutions this season that we may be mindful of you through our neighbors. 

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
... for families who are in need of healing
... for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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