In ancient Israel, anointing was usually used for rituals of elevating one's status, such as anointing the head of one becoming a priest, prophet, or king. Priests, prophets, and kings were anointed to show that they had a special task from God. The word ‘Christ’ is the Greek Word for anointed one. Jesus is the Christ, the one anointed for the ultimate mission of human redemption.
Anointing was also done at burial. Not just the head, but the entire body would be anointed with oil.
Here in Bethany, neither Jesus’ head nor his entire body was anointed, but only his feet. Why his feet? Perhaps simply as an act of devotion and love. Perhaps Mary falls at Jesus’ feet as one would fall at the feet of a King, to show her belief that he is Christ the King.
But perhaps also to draw our attention to his Holy Feet. So that we would watch where his feet trod this Holy Week. His feet which trod the Via Crucis, the way of the cross. His feet which trod the hot and dusty roads of the Holy Land to bring the Good News to the poor, now blaze a path for his disciples to follow. His feet are pierced for our offenses.
It is at his feet, the Mary chose the better portion. Rather, than becoming busy with the things of the world, like her sister Martha, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to him, to learn from him. And unlike her sister, Martha, who complained about the odor that would come from the tomb, Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet fills the house with the fragrance of love and devotion.
Through the Lord’s willingness to walk the path of obedience to his Father’s Will, It is his feet which will crush the head of the ancient serpent. Because of his faithfulness, St. Paul says “God put everything under His feet.”
Sometimes as Christians, we are called to walk down paths that are terrifying, the flesh often abhors the road of the spirit, our feet want to run away from sacrifice and penance, run away from the stranger calling out for help. But as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to walk where he walked, follow where he leads, and perhaps be the feet that crushes Satan still at work in the world.
This Holy Week may our adoration of His Holy Feet, help us to walk where he has walked, to follow Him all the way to the cross, in subjection of our whole lives to His Holy Rule for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For increased faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity.
That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.
For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.
That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.
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