Rev. Gerald Mansholt
Reading the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week I am reminded of a woman in more recent times who was discerning her call to pastoral ministry. She said very simply and directly, with tenderness and honesty, “I just love Jesus.” And it showed in her demeanor, her love and openness to others. We saw her it in her love of the Scriptures as well as in her devotion and prayer life.
Mary gets it. She sees that in Jesus something is profoundly shaking her world and giving her hope, joy and peace. She understands something huge is taking place around her, that in Jesus God was up to something beyond anything imaginable by others. So Mary is moved to act in love, with faith and devotion. She embraces the light and life that Jesus has brought into the world. She anoints Jesus with costly perfume.
I try to picture myself in Bethany on that day just prior to Passover. Much has already happened, more is about to take place. There at the table is Lazarus, who, days earlier, was stinking with death after 4 days in the tomb. There is Jesus who is about to face his own death. Mary and Martha were on their own roller coaster of emotions. Mary, understanding the moment, acts with love and devotion and anoints Jesus.
Judas objects, citing the needs of the poor. But Jesus comes to Mary’s defense, saying “leave her alone.” I am reminded of a colleague who said one can pursue social justice for a lifetime and never find Jesus. But follow Jesus ten yards and you can’t help but trip over the world’s injustices.
As Holy Week begins Mary calls us to the heart of our faith, to Jesus, Light and Life for a world captive to sin and death.
We pray: Lord God, help us to follow the example of Mary. Help us to honor you with our whole life. Draw us in that we may love and worship you with our whole being. Amen.
