Word to the Wise
Monday, March 29, 2010 - Monday of Holy Week
[Isaiah 42:1-7 and John 12:1-11]Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
Our Holy Week pilgrimage features more than one "guide." Yesterday, Luke was our guide. Today John calls our attention to an incident just before Jesus' ride into Jerusalem. It is a reminder of where this journey is headed. While at supper at Martha and Mary's house in Bethany, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with a precious oil. Judas sees it as a waste of money. Jesus sees it as a prophetic act! The contrast between Judas and Mary is important. Judas set a price on Jesus' life - 30 pieces of silver! Mary spares no expense! Her action foretells the duty she would be called upon to perform for Jesus' burial - a duty she would not be able to perform! This incident could make us stop for a moment to assess our own view of the situation. How do we place a "value" on the events of this week? Do we "count the cost" and determine our participation that way? Should we be "extravagant" like Mary? Or is this week like any other except for all the Easter bunny kitsch and tradition ("fun" though it can be)? The very fact that we have joined the "pilgrimage" is important, but there will be distractions aplenty. We have to keep putting one spiritual foot in front of the other and focus on what is happening! One physical foot in front of the other might take us to the Stations of the Cross! We still have a long way to go! AMEN
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