DAILY- HOMILY

21 March 2016

Monday of Holy Week  

Violet.             

Is 42:1– 7 / Jn 12:1 – 11

From the 1st Reading: Is 42:1 – 4

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.

Gospel Reading: 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, the son of Simon Iscariot, the disciple who was to betray Jesus, remarked:  "This perfume could have been sold for 350 silver coins and turned over to the poor."  Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief and as he held the coin 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  

There is a time and a purpose for everything.  When Mary chose to anoint Jesus' feet with expensive oil, it was the right time for the use of an expensive oil for the right person and purpose. Being able to discern the right time to do the right thing is a grace from God.    

What struck me was how Jesus replied to Judas: Not with any insult or any statement of judgement. Jesus' reply was in the form of loving correction. Mary's anointing with the oil originally intended for use during a burial also tells us to show our love to people while they are alive.   It also tells us to love Jesus with an extravagant, lavish love just as Jesus loves us.        

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Leni de Leon

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Patricia Reyes

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the special intentions of Celie Mangune.

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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