Monday of Holy Week
(Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11)
One of the features of Holy Week is the use of the four “Servant
Songs” from the second part of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. They are read at mass today, tomorrow, Wednesday,
and Friday, as well as yesterday. The Songs describe one whose suffering brings
vicarious justice to Israel. Because he
is never named, interpreters have given him various identities like Jeremiah or
even corporate Israel. Christians have
little difficulty in seeing him as an archetype of Jesus.
Today’s “Song” features the gentleness and the luminosity of
the Servant. He is so sensitive that he
does not raise his voice when he teaches. Gently and persuasively, he gives light without creating heat. That light enables those blinded by pride to
see the truth, those imprisoned by prejudice to find goodness in enemies, and
those confined to the dungeon of ignorance to learn the glory of God.
In today’s gospel Mary, the sister of Lazarus, exhibits a
particular sensitivity to Jesus as the Suffering Servant. She anoints him before his impending death
that she is somehow able to perceive.
