Holy Monday
Gospel reading can be found at this link: John 12:1-11.
John 12:3 “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (NIV)
It was a pure act of unselfish love and devotion. Mary poured some beautiful and expensive perfume on Christ’s body to ease His stress and bring some peace to His life. It was like using the essential oils that many folks use today to make them feel better, calmer, and healthier. Mary had sensed Christ’s deep feelings empathically, so she wanted to heal the Healer and serve her Lord.
Some folks like Judas didn’t get it. All they saw was the cost of the perfume and not the act of priceless love. They even condemned Mary for wasting such an expensive pint of nard. It could easily have been sold and the money used to look after the poor. They didn’t want to recognize the sacrifice that Mary made to look after Jesus. They were focused on their own self-righteousness instead of seeing something beautiful being done for God.
Holy Week takes us through a whole group of different emotions. We will come across anger and despair, fear and anxiety, courage and betrayal. But Holy Week begins at the very point where it will end, with a woman’s devotion and an act of dedication which will overcome any criticism, falsehood, or obstruction. In other words, love will win.
Point to ponder: How can I show my love to Jesus this week?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for this holiest of all weeks in the year. We ask that You lead us through each day on a journey of faith, hope, and love. Open our minds to the powerful message of salvation and enable us to embrace the forgiveness and grace You offer. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
Today’s image is one of John’s Holy Week drawings called “Her Holy Tears.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome ?