Daily Lenten Reflections

Monday, April 3, 2023

Monday of Holy Week

Reflection

Jesus, after having experienced the adulation of the crowds that we read about yesterday needed to be with close friends. He knew well the Isaiah tradition of the Suffering Servant with its four biblical texts, the first of which we read today. He knew that the praise he received coming into Jerusalem would soon turn to rejection and even death. So, today we read that he went to Bethany, to three good personal friends, Lazarus and his two sisters Martha and Mary. We have all felt a need to be with those who love us and comfort us when we are in a dark space. It is not surprising then that Jesus, who is like us in all things but sin, would also have needed this reprieve, this support for what would come.

Mary (not to be confused with Mary Magdalen) takes perfumed oil and pours it over Jesus’ feet in a soothing and intimate act of love. Moreover, she uses her hair to dry his feet. Jesus knows how to interpret such an act, she is preparing him for burial. She does not try to deny or take away the pain that he will endure; rather she lets him know in her actions that she will be with him as he goes through his ordeals. Poor Judas misses the point in his critique, but Jesus understands Mary’s act of love.

Prayer

Jesus, let me be with you as you experience the events of this week. Let me pray with you “the Lord is my light and my salvation.” Amen.

Dr. Aline Paris, RSM M’78

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

Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”