03/04/2023

I am always embarrassed by the image of Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha, using her hair as a towel. There is a physical intimacy about the scene that I cannot avoid each time I read it. I always have to shake that thought out of my mind and concentrate on how St John reveals the hypocrisy of Judas who bewails the waste of money. The poor will always be with us and also the hypocrites. I know that for sure as I know that I have never lived up to the promises to avoid sin that I continue to make and break.

The Apostles and early disciples of whom the family at Bethany are among the few that are named  were well versed in the Prophets.They were not of the Temple elite. They had however spent three years in the company of Jesus and prayed with  and been taught by him. Their Bible was the scrolls of the Old Testament and when in the time after the Resurrection they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to make a coherent account of what they had witnessed they could find in the Prophets and Psalms the texts that pointed to the three years of Jesus' public mission.

The Old Testament readings for Holy Week are all part of what would have been read by the first congregations in the Upper Room and Portico of Solomon.They and the recollections of the Evangelists bring the presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who are ready to listen and welcome him.

Dear Lord you know that I am a tiny atom of humanity. You know that being human can be joyful and also bitter hopelessness. Your way is our only way so let me shout out with you in human compassion and weakness for I too know that "Thy will be done" is the complete knowing, loving and serving that I am capable of thanks to the"being for us"of your life on earth. May the worship of  Mary and all the Saints who are now secure in their place with you continue to bring guidance to all human souls still living in bodily reality  and Mercy to those in the agony of regret that is Purgatory.