April 6, 2009
(Monday in Holy Week)
Our Desires and Attitudes
By
The Very Rev. Terry White,
Dean
Isaiah 42:1-9 - Psalm 36:5-11 - Hebrews 9:11-15 - John 12:1-11
(From The
Lectionary Page)
The Liturgy of the Palms and the Sunday of the Passion observed yesterday have set the tone for our observance of this holy week. Having participated in the telling of St. Mark’s version of the Passion, we hear today’s lessons and collect with ears and hearts attuned to the language of love, faithfulness and sacrifice.
Isaiah speaks of the Suffering Servant who will not grow weak or be
crushed.
The psalmist proclaims that God’s love reaches to the heavens.
The Letter to the Hebrews says that the blood of Jesus purifies and
redeems us.
And John’s Gospel contrasts Mary of Bethany with Judas. In a lavish display Mary applies perfume to Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. Judas voices concern for spending money in this way, and John further suggests that his concern was disingenuous.
This Gospel reading points out that in each of us, and in the Church, competing attitudes and motivations often collide. We must be vigilant that selfish attitudes and less-than-pure motives do not guide us more often than the desire to worship, adore, and serve the Lord Jesus. As we continue our journey through the Passion, may we keep our focus upon the wondrous cross and all the grace found there.
Let us pray. Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
