Monday in Holy Week

Today we continue our journey into Holy Week, started yesterday with Palm Sunday. On this day, we focus our thoughts on the anointing of Jesus in Bethany.

John 12:3 says, “Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”

This act by Mary was an act of devotion. Whether it was a foreshadowing of his death, or putting him in a place of high regard as a guest, Mary’s instinct was to serve Jesus in this holy and intimate moment. It should be our instinct as well. We are called to serve our Lord and Savior always, and in particular this week. We do it by walking the way of the cross with him, giving our devotion, our whole selves to his journey. As we navigate this week together, we must live this week before we can rejoice in the truth of empty tomb.

Brothers and sisters, may your Holy Week be blessed and sacred. May you endure in the struggle of these steps with the knowledge they will be redeemed by our risen Lord.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, keep you safe and make you strong, this night and always. Amen.

Fr. Brian+