Monday, March 25, 2013


Monday of Holy Week

(Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11)

People the world over – Protestants as well as Catholics and, no doubt, Jews, Muslims, even Communists – were amazed by the initial gestures of the new pope.  First, he takes the name of Francis recalling il poverello, the little poor man.  Then he appeared without the illustrious red cape reserved for the Bishop of Rome.  Furthermore, he told the rich of Argentina thinking of attending his inauguration that it would be better if they used the money for such a long trip for relief to the poor.  Pope Francis has evidently taken to heart what the evangelist John teaches in today’s gospel narrative.

Judas grumbles that the perfume which Mary uses to anoint Jesus’ feet could have been sold for the benefit of the poor.  He is not really concerned about the poor but about money. Mary, in fact, instinctively recognizes the truth of the situation.  Jesus, the Son of God, has made himself poor for the enrichment of the whole world.  Giving him due worship, we will turn to his impoverished brothers and sisters in love.

Who are the poor?  In a sense all humans qualify for the label because we are born without a firm relationship with God.  We must see Christ in one another without exception.  But there still are those who lack the physical resources to develop their human potential.  These deserve particular attention because in the hardships they experience, they will continually have difficulty giving praise to God.