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.
