Holy Monday Reflection – Our journey during this Holy Week continues…
Am I a servant of the Lord?
At our baptism we were anointed with the Chrism Oil and the Oil of Catechumens. The Oil of Catechumens helps us to ward off evil, avoid temptation and strengthens us to carry the cross of Christ throughout our lives. The fragrant Chrism Oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit, the God who animates our life, who gives the courage to boldly go forward to act as Jesus did.
We are called to be children of God, created in His image, his voice, his hands, his legs. We do not travel alone though; He is our light and our salvation. Perhaps today we can challenge ourselves to shine Christ’s light. Wave at a person walking by, call someone who like to hear my voice on the phone, get some food to a hungry person you find on the street. Greet someone with a warm smile. Be Christ’s light in your own special way.
Today, our Gospel reading finds Jesus in Bethany sharing dinner with his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Can you see yourself sitting in peace with our Lord? Martha serves a beautiful meal. Mary takes an expensive bottle of perfumed oil and anoints the feet of Jesus. She then, humbly, dries them with her hair. We see here in this Gospel reading, a look at the death of Jesus, when he will be anointed hurriedly as sundown approaches. Perhaps today, light a fragrant candle and pray the Lord’s prayer together.
During this Holy Week how can I reach out to those who need me? What is my special gift? How can I share the beautiful gifts that God has given me? Act today as Jesus would have acted. Be a servant of the Lord.