The scriptures from the old testament are often fulfilled in the new, and this is especially true in today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah, when God said, “Here is my servant whom I uphold”. God also said, in today’s first reading “this is my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my Spirit”. These words were fulfilled in the gospel of Matthew at Christ’s baptism, when it is recorded that, “A voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Then the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Mt 3:17
In the last three verses from the book of Isaiah, God said “I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations…to bring out … those who live in darkness.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus is called: “the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jn 1:4-5 This was especially true in today’s gospel because Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, brought him out of his dark tomb into the light of day, and even ate dinner with him.
Jesus is the light in our lives too, sometimes in very dark circumstances. Many of us have lived, or currently live in sin, or in very negative situations that do not reflect the love of Jesus Christ. A close and healing relationship with the Lord is beautifully depicted in Psalm 27 today though. If you have ever had the experience of someone mistreating you, or if you have ever been the victim of any type of betrayal or abuse, then Psalm 27 can be a lot of comfort. Actually any time it feels like other people have turned against you, this psalm can bring great comfort and solace. It might be a very helpful thing, to bookmark this psalm, and refer back to it in the future, when you feel discouraged or sad about a difficult circumstance in our lives.
Jesus experienced a hurtful accusation from Judas Iscariot today. It makes you wonder why he tolerated Judas’s behavior? Jesus stood up to Judas for Mary’s beautiful act of love for him though. Jesus must have tolerated a thief and someone he knew would betray him, simply because it was Judas’s destiny to betray him. Perhaps Jesus hoped for his conversion, or simply allowed him to be part of the group because he already knew God’s will and knew that Judas, even through his evil acts, would serve God’s purpose. All things serve God, both the good and the evil, eventually. God can convert the greatest evil, such as the inhumane and humiliating death of His son on the cross, into a much greater good for mankind. It just takes time. Just like Psalm 27 said today “Wait for the Lord with courage, be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord.”
Jesus knows he doesn’t have much time though. He surely looked at Mary with great tenderness when he said “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” Christ’s humanity emerges from this passage in scripture most profoundly, when he recognized this beautiful act of love that Mary did for him. It was only a short while later, that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the last supper. Is it possible he could have remembered this act of love, that Mary had just done did for him when he decided to wash his disciples feet?
Jesus sees the depths of love even in small acts though. Perhaps we should try to learn more from him during Holy Week. Every small act of kindness we do for our family, friends, coworkers and other people in our community, is an act of love that we do for Jesus.
Monday of Holy Week
Readings for Mass:
Isaiah 42:1-7 / Psalm 27:1-3,13-14 /John 12:1-11
