Monday of Holy Week

Reflection

Liturgically, we find ourselves in the lull between Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday, but today’s Gospel reading is set prior to Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem: a moment of calm before the whirlwind of events leading to Good Friday.

Just imagine the dinner they gave for Jesus at Bethany. Usually the focus is on the symbolism: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus feet, how it portends Jesus’ death and how Judas reacts.  But take a step back and there is so much feeling in the story. The timing is set at six days before Passover and, in John’s telling, it seems to be at Lazarus’ house. A last gathering with closest friends? Jesus was aware that the authorities would soon be hunting Him down, so He was avoiding Jerusalem. The impending catastrophe must have weighed on His mind. Did His friends sense that this might be their last meal together, too? A type of Last Supper in a more familial setting. How beautiful and human, that Jesus would want to spend this time with them, these characters we already know. Martha serving the guests. Mary staying close to Jesus. Lazarus at the table: how must he feel, having only recently been raised from death by Jesus? Surely overwhelmed with gratitude and awe and love. What depth of emotion and trust must have prompted Mary to dry His feet with her hair! Even among close friends with the intimacy they shared, it seems a most extraordinary gesture. Prior to Lazarus’ raising, she has already knelt and acknowledged Jesus as Lord.  But He is no distant God, rather One who can be touched, who would accept this very personal bodily gesture of adoration and love.

The reading from Isaiah echoes the theme of Jesus’ identity as Lord and Messiah, one chosen by God. And, simultaneously, it refers to Israel as the chosen people, and to us. The word “justice” occurs three times in this short passage. The phrase “I have chosen you for the victory of justice” called out to me. As we observe Jesus’ Passion and await Easter, seeking and working for the victory of justice in our world should be our striving.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for the call to be at Your table with Martha and Mary and Lazarus, to be part of Your family that extends across time and space. Help me take on my share of the responsibility to advance justice and bring light where I can in this troubled world.  Amen.

Zsuzsanna Kadas, P’13, Professor of Mathematics Emeritus

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14
Gospel: John 12:1-11

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website