Lenten Reflections

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By Fr. Mathias Durette, O.S.B., Campus Ministry

Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah catches the essence of Holy Week. It catches the silence of Holy Week: at times gloomy, at times hopeful, at times strong. We can’t hear it without thinking of Jesus – the fulfillment of the Suffering Servant described by Isaiah.

And the Gospel passage describing Mary anointing the feet of Jesus also catches the essence of Holy Week: at times gloomy, at times hopeful, at times strong.

Mary’s deed showed her deep love for Jesus and how much she wanted her giving to be her singular offering. It was her personal act of worship. One writer said that “to anoint his feet was to adore his humanity and its weakness. To wipe his feet with her hair was to place all her beauty and vanity beneath his feet. Thus did she sacrifice all to Jesus. How could the hair that touched the feet of Jesus ever be put to the service of vanity again?”

Mary’s act was a lavish, gratuitous, and loving gift and it obviously struck a nerve with all who witnessed it.

Judas’ complaint was met with a quick rebuke from Jesus, showing that he could be stern with the proud (Judas) and tender, gentle, and protective toward the humble and repentant (Mary). Jesus allowed himself to be shown affection and love by one who saw him for who and what he truly was. Only a repentant and contrite heart could recognize him that way. That describes Mary.

The contrast between Mary and Judas is strikingly powerful and I think it’s important for all of us – at the beginning of Holy Week – to reflect on that contrast because we’re all capable of going either way. It forces us to ask ourselves the question: how and how much do I love Jesus?