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.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,
Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made
very welcome 😊
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 this link: Tears.
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