Monday, March 25, 2024

 

Monday of Holy Week

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

St. Catherine of Siena, the fourteenth century mystic and activist, claimed an intense personal love for Jesus.  She considered herself married to the Lord, having exchanged her heart for his.  Her relationship parallels that of Mary in today’s gospel.

Not only does Mary anoint Jesus’ feet, she also dries them with her hair.  The first action is strange; the second almost bizarre.  But Mary wants to express her intense love for Jesus.  She recognizes his Lordship and gives herself completely to him in a manner beyond sexual intimacy.

Jesus merits such affection from all of us.  He saves us from the folly of sins and provides us the prospect of overcoming death.  He personified every virtue and sacrificed his life for each one of us.  Our hope should be nothing less than life with him in eternity.

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