Claire Smith

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel puts before us a model of great faith, trust and fidelity in the context of relationship, and a contrasting example of wilfulness and isolation.

The contrast is both real in that there are two protagonists (Mary and Judas), and symbolically revelatory in that Mary’s relationship is lived at the level of emotion, feeling and commitment to a person, whilst Judas’ relationship is lived in the head, and is poisoned by false thinking. It is a strong contrast between knowing about Jesus and knowing him.

Judas is trapped in his own thoughts about Jesus and to some extent is so focused on his own thinking and perspective that he fails to see intimacy and love as it is lived out in his very presence. He is trapped within his own opinions, and he chooses to see life in terms of his own perspective. Certainly, he states a value – care for the poor – but ego manifesting itself through false reasoning, makes use of this value and turns it into a criticism. A trap for all of us to notice and indeed, avoid.

Mary by contrast is first of all silent. She adopts the stance that is perhaps the starting point of all prayer – humility, silence and listening – and she allows herself to be led by her love for Jesus into actions that reflect this love. Again, a model for all of us to imitate in our daily lives.

For reflection, we might notice the ‘fruits’ or outcomes of the two approaches.

For Judas, his thinking will eventually lead him to betrayal. His lack of openness and lack of any willingness to see ‘more’ will make him vulnerable to seduction by the hostility of those plotting against Jesus.

Mary’s actions are within the context of relationship and lead to an even deeper revelation by Jesus to her and others. What is more, her actions are held up as a model for all – perhaps symbolised by the reference to the whole house being filled “with the fragrance of the oil”.  

May our relationship with Jesus be lived at a genuine level and may it lead us to fill our houses (our environments of influence) with love.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66

Reflection:

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. We will hear the reading of The Passion according to Matthew today, recounting Jesus’ Last Supper and all the dramatic and sorrowful events leading up to His crucifixion and His death on Good Friday. Jesus foretold His passion; he knew when He came into Jerusalem that He was going to face betrayal, violence, and terrible physical suffering. So, what was His attitude going into this?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul says: “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:5-6) Another word for grasp would be “cling”. Jesus chose not to cling to His divine prerogatives, and to humbly submit to an ignominious death on a cross. These words were addressed to the people at Philippi in northeastern Greece, many of whom were retired Roman soldiers, and whose culture emphasized ambition, status, and wealth.

St. Paul goes on to say: “Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness and found human in appearance, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8⁾ The phrase “emptied Himself” (“kenosis” in Greek) is the opposite of “grasping” or clinging.

As Holy Week progresses, we see Jesus the servant leader, humbling kneeling on the floor, and washing His disciples’ feet. We see His forbearance as He endures the betrayal of friends, and the arrogant taunts of those in power. We see him comforting those who walked to Calvary with him. We see Him letting go, pouring out His life for us.

As Passionists we proclaim that the Passion is the extraordinary expression of the love of God. This week, as we contemplate Jesus’ Passion, may our hearts be imbued with the attitude of Jesus, who did not cling or grasp, but emptied Himself for love.

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She served on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit. She is currently a member of the Laudato Si Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

Days of Judgement

Today’s chapter of John’s gospel begins with the raising of Lazarus of Bethany. Even before it happens, as the story begins, we hear that it is his sister, “Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair”. Then follows the beautiful dialogue with Lazarus’ other sister, Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord; I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

Then along with Mary and Martha, Jesus’ dear friends, sharing their tears, they approach the tomb. Overriding the caution of the ever-practical Martha that there will be a stench, Jesus calls forth Lazarus.

Today’s reading then continues. The council agrees that Jesus performs many signs, and the result will be that the Romans will destroy the Holy Places and the nation. We hear the a great prophecy that bears the weight of authority because it is made by the high priest: ‘It is expedient that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish’. Then John gives us the reason for the passion and death of Jesus: “He prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one all of God’s children who are scattered abroad”.

How contrary to the sign of Jesus in raising Lazarus, to the hope filled the words of Jesus to Martha, and to the joy in the neighborhood of Bethany! Both Matthew and Mark make clear there is not purity of intention in what they High Priest says. They tell us Pilate was aware that Jesus is handed over out of jealousy.

Our gospel today takes a special meaning by its place in the liturgy of Lent. Tomorrow we will remember the jubilant palm procession that welcomes Jesus to Jerusalem. In the synoptic gospels what follows is the cleansing of the temple, and the judgment against Jesus and the determination that he be destroyed.

On Monday we will hear of another welcome. A dinner celebrating Lazarus life! Perhaps the moment comes when the ever-attentive Martha thinks, ‘what is my sister doing now?’, as she sees Mary approach Jesus, open the expensive jar of perfume and pour it over Jesus’ feet. The house is silent as Mary slowly and reverently uses her long hair to wipe the feet of Jesus. Fragrance fills the house. She gives away the rich perfume but wants what clings to Jesus to cling to her also. What a different judgment of Jesus, what a response of love and gratitude to the one who raised her brother to life.

As the high priest acts with anger, so the silence in the home of Bethany is broken when Judas voices his anger. No purity of intention; he too does not understand love.

What Jesus did was not only for Lazarus but for all of God’s scattered children, gathering us from the fear of death to life. What Mary does, an action that will always be told in the telling of the Gospel, expresses love from all of us.

Fr. William Murphy, CP is a member of Immaculate Conception Passionist Community in Jamaica, New York.