MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Eamonn Clark C ‘14

Meeting God

“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12: 8

It would seem as if today’s gospel tells us that “the poor” do not need to be taken care of. Of course, Jesus understands the needs of the poor and gives us commands to help them. Why does he not agree with Judas then? Jesus responds the way he does not only because perhaps he knows the intentions of Judas, but also because the action of Mary is perfectly well ordered and due: no other use of the oil could be better than to anoint the Christ in preparation for his death (and eventually during his burial). Surely it would have been meritorious to sell the oil and give the money away to those in need, but Mary has an extraordinary opportunity to show her charity directly to God rather than through others. Here is God right in front of her! Her action is one of pure worship, which is not opposed to temporal activism (like aiding the poor) but instead complements and perfects it. This opportunity is also fleeting, while the poor we “will always have” and will need more money each day.

When God comes very near to us, it is best to put all of our efforts toward sincere self-emptying and worship after the example given to us by Mary. Perhaps what we will offer God is not manifested by precious oil, but maybe it is our total trust, our time, our talents, or something else.

Lord God, help me to realize your presence and to draw close to it. Fix my whole heart, mind, and soul upon Yourself that I may love You sincerely. Amen.

Is 42: 1-7, Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14, Jn 12: 1-11

MONDAY 2ND WEEK
Caitlin Kerwin C ‘13

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

“Let the groaning of the imprisoned come in before you; in accord
 with the greatness of your arm preserve those doomed to die.” Psalm 79: 11

This verse reminds me that we are all imprisoned by our sins, and God is the only One who can free us. During Lent we are reminded that God sent His only son to die for us and open the gates of Heaven. God is the light at the end of the tunnel. We should all be striving for Heaven, but we can only be on the right path if we follow God’s will. God can free us from the worldly distractions and lead us to a prosperous life that leads to an eternity with Him. Those who are imprisoned (all of us) must ask God to lead us to do His will so that our souls may be preserved and we might have eternal life in Heaven.

Lord, Help me to see your light in the world and follow your will. Preserve my soul so that I may live forever with You. Please help me
 to give up my worldly needs so that I may love You more entirely. Amen.

Dn 9: 4b-10, Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13, Lk 6:36-38