Many dioceses in the United States, will tomorrow, Tuesday of the Holy Week, celebrate the Christ Mass, which is a celebration of the local church with their bishop. Some other dioceses will celebrate the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. During the Chrism Mass the bishop blesses oils used in sacraments throughout the diocese for the coming year, and priests renew their priestly promises, signifying the unity of the bishop with his priests and the priestly vocation of the Church.
Reflecting on today’s gospel reading, we are reminded that our paths crossed with other people, usually in an unplanned or accidental way. In life’s journey, we meet both friends and foes. We meet friends like Mary who lavished expensive ointment over the feet of Jesus and dries them with her own hair. We can say such people are people with hearts, who like to show compassion and are passionate love for us. At the end, we can say “I’m glad we crossed paths”
We also meet foes, or even friends who turn to be foes. We meet people like Judas Iscariot who was infuriated at Mary for in his own words “wasting” such an expensive ointment. Such people that glass is always half full or half empty.
Which group do you belong to or which group do your friends and neighbor thinks you belong to?
During this holy week, let us admire and emulate this expression of Mary’s love, because it is so generous and humbling.
May we avoid the temptation to be like Judas, Mr. Scrooge of Jesus’s time, who sees one’s generosity and act of kindness as wasteful.
Mary’s generous spirit was reward. The Lord elevated her for his good will and unselfish sacrifice. “Leave her alone….”
Nelson Mandela would say: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Have a wonderful Holy Week
Just a reminder” “Divine Mercy Novena starts in Friday, the Good Friday.
