Readings:
Isaiah 42:1-7
Psalm 27:1-3,13-14
John 12:1-11
Everyone needs something—at least most of us do. Most of us desire to fulfil one purpose or the other. I call it “motivation”. And people are motivated differently, and our actions reveal it. Take the different people in today’s Gospel for instance. It was a dinner party and there were different people with different motivations:
Martha served everyone—she is resourceful.
Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with costly ointment—she is nurturing.
Judas Iscariot complained of waste—he is a thief.
A large number of Jews came to see Jesus and Lazarus out of curiosity—they were spies.
The chief priests sourced evidence to kill Jesus and Lazarus—they are murderously jealous.
You may not realise it, but your actions are similar to one or more of these characters above. Each person is serving an agenda—either selfish or selfless. You may disguise your greed as concern for the poor like Judas, or pretend to be happy for Lazarus like the chief priests’ goons. The point is that our best efforts are often riddled with selfishness. But there is a good part to this. Jesus is at the centre of it all and He alone can heal and elevate every good and bad motive. Everyone in the scene at Bethany was connected to Jesus in one way or the other whether they knew it or not. We too are connected to him either consciously or otherwise. And our connection with Jesus is all He needs to transform us from evil to good, selfish to selfless and from dead to fully alive. Saint Augustine puts it well: “This Word of God (Jesus Christ) was made flesh and dwelt among us. He had to take from us our mortal flesh. This was how, though immortal, he was able to die; how He chose to give life to mortal (human beings). Of ourselves we had no power to live, nor did he of himself have the power to die. He performed the most wonderful exchange with us. Through us, He died; through Him, we shall live.”
The good news is that our connection to Jesus Christ can heal us and all those connected to us. He can make our service to others fruitful. He can enrich the lives of many through our charity to the Church. He can turn our greed into selfless service. He can turn our curiosity into deep faith and conviction. He can turn our sorrow into joy and restore life to our dead conscience. As we journey through Holy Week, God will reveal to you the aspects of your life where you need healing and provide you with an antidote. Do not resist his healing touch.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, touch my soul and heal me of every poison of sin and selfishness. Let my communion with you bring healing into my life and my relationships to the glory of your name. Amen.
As you step out today and always, may you and yours enjoy the fullness of God's blessings in Jesus' name.
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