Daily Reflection for Monday, March 29, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday's readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032921.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Responsorial: Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14
Gospel: John 12:1-11
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
"Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil."
John 12:3
Today is Monday of Holy Week, and my heart is filled with anticipation of Easter and relief for the conclusion of a Lent that seemed to start last year and run through forty days and twelve months of the pandemic. I love to feel the blessings of grace at Mass during Holy Week, especially the Easter Vigil, because it stirs up remembrance of my children being baptized and brought into the Church. Last year there was no public celebration of the Paschal Triduum. The Bishop asked the Deacons to stay home and stay safe, and it broke my heart.
There is something special about a community of believers coming together to celebrate Mass. The Eucharist is our shared meal. Our shared love of God, our praise in prayer and song, fills our hearts to overflowing and allows us to share that love with both friends and strangers alike.
When Jesus brought Lazarus back from death, we are told that Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus visits his friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus again. He shares a meal with them, and Mary anoints him.
Mary's anointing of Jesus's feet seems extravagant. The amount of oil used is extravagant. Her use of her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus looks extravagant. But the act is pure selfless love. Mary pours out her oil and love for Jesus, and the fragrance of that love filled the house – and now our hearts -- with love.
This week we experience Jesus' Paschal sacrifice. It is our opportunity to pour out our hearts with love and appreciation for what the Lord has done for us.
May you be blessed this week and find joy in humbly loving and serving the Lord.
Love and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea