Mary served the Lord with a costly ointment

Ish 42:1-7, Jn 12:1-11. On this Monday of Holy week, we continue our journey with Jesus during His last days before His Hour of Glory: His death and resurrection. Hence, we are challenged to reflect on how Jesus came to serve rather than to be served and also remember those who model for us Jesus’ loving attitude of serving. In today’s first reading of the Suffering Servants Songs, we reflect on how God is pleased with the Servant who will minister in a quiet, but powerful, way. This Servant of God will tend to those who are bruised and broken and will establish justice. This Servant will bring about a new covenant relationship, opening the eyes of the blind and setting free those who are oppressed and living in darkness because the one we speak about has a servant heart – one who seeks to be of service to those in need.

In today's Gospel, Jesus continue His ministry of service in Bethany, the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, six days before the Passover. Mary anticipated that servant-gesture of Jesus by giving herself to Jesus in a loving service that corresponded to how Jesus gave Himself to His disciples. Jesus interpreted her generous act as preparing Him for His death and burial. Judas revealed his concern not for people, but for money as he said that the value of the oil used for the anointing of Jesus should have been given to the common purse to be used for the poor. We also hear of the religious leaders’ continuing plot to kill Jesus and not only Jesus, but Lazarus as well, since people are “turning away” from established religious leaders and believing in Jesus because of raising of Lazarus. Thus, they show their fear that Jesus was taking people away from their own sphere of influence. The stories found this week will teach us a lesson that on our life journey, we will meet people who would probably make our journey more difficult. We will also experience people like Mary who will support us on our journey, and, hopefully, we can be for others what Mary was for Jesus, a kindly and generous presence in an often hostile world.

May the Lord continue to guide us, strengthen our faith and inspire us to live our lives following the good example of Mary, who gave her in service to God! Amen!! Wish you a glorious and spirit filled week!!!