Holy Week, Monday, 02-04-12

Isaiah 42:1-7 / John 12:1-11      (2019)


Whenever we hear the word worship, what are the images and emotions that come to mind?


Most probably it will be praying, kneeling, offering sacrifice, raising of hands in praise and adoration.


In whatever forms it may take, worship is essentially a total offering of self to God, and also a total abandonment into the hands of God and His will.


In the gospel, we saw how Mary made an act of total abandonment of self in her love and devotion to Jesus.


Disregarding of what people may think of her as well as their comments (we heard one from Judas), and also disregarding what others may considered wasteful (that was from Judas too), Mary gave her all to Jesus.


It was also an open display of her affection and intimacy with Jesus.


All this may sound rather too sensual for the ears but yet how can we ever describe worship if we don't see it in concrete actions like those of Mary.


Yet we can also be like Judas who will break the crushed reed and snuff out the wavering flame of worship and devotion with sarcastic and scorching comments.


Holy week is a time to reflect and meditate on the sufferings of Jesus as He offered Himself to His Father for our salvation.


May our prayer also lead us to offer ourselves in worship as we follow Jesus in His total abandonment to God and in doing His will.