Holy Monday
First Reading: Is 42, 1-7
Gospel Reading: Jn 12, 1-11
The prophetic message of redemption and restoration is the revelation of God’s mercy and love. It brings great consolation to God’s people who had been suffering for long. The experience of God’s mercy is transforming.
Mary experienced God’s mercy in abundance. The raising of her ‘dead’ brother Lazarus; the comfort at the Lord’s feet and the consolation at his words, transformed and directed her heart and mind to Jesus. The Lord in his love understands her deepest intentions and in his mercy defends her on Judas’ accusation.
The experience of God’s mercy and love sustains Mary in gratitude, and impels her to honour Him by anointing. The Lord granted her infinite love and mercy; and Mary reciprocates with what is the most precious to her.
We are blessed and protected by the Lord in ways known and not-known by us. He has given us hope in our sufferings and failures; he has healed us from sicknesses and safeguarded us from dangers. He has been ever merciful and loving towards us. But, what is our response to him? Do we remain grateful to him like Mary? Do we reciprocate his love with our love and fidelity?
There are many people in our lives who have been very much benevolent to us. Do we acknowledge their goodness and generosity to us? Do we remain grateful to them at least in our attitude and disposition, if not in actions? Gratitude is an attitude of the heart. Mary experienced God’s mercy and love and she remained ever grateful to him. She is an example for us.
We experience God’s love and mercy. And God is ever merciful! Let the experience of God be sustained and bring forth fruits.
