Holy Week 2025 - Wednesday - The callousness of betrayal and sin

 

"What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?"

These callous and chilling words of Judas reveal a heart entrenched in selfishness and spiritual blindness. Judas, who had witnessed firsthand the miracles of Christ—healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding thousands, teaching truth and mercy—chooses to value his own immediate gain above everything that Jesus embodied—reducing the infinite value of Jesus—the Son of God, the Savior—to a mere commodity, something negotiable, exchangeable for earthly silver. 

Consider that Judas lived, ate, and traveled with Christ; he experienced the compassion and love of the Savior directly. Judas’ willingness to conspire with those who sought Jesus’ life shows a heart hardened by a series of choices where greed, self-interest, and pride displaced faith, loyalty, and love, if those things ever really took root.

In the end, Judas chose himself over Christ—valuing Jesus less than a handful of coins. The betrayal was not simply about money; Judas rejected the call to conversion, the eternal value of turning away from the self in order to embrace Christ and the eternal life offered through him. 

How could anyone reject the pricelessness of Jesus’ identity, dignity, and mission? But isn’t that what sin is, the exchange of life for a passing enticement?

Here on the threshold of the Paschal Triduum, Judas’ words remind us how easily any of us can fall into the temptation of placing worldly gains—wealth, status, pleasure, or power—above fidelity to Christ and His Gospel. 

Judas’ greed serves as a sober reminder of the need to cling closely to Christ, valuing His presence and truth above all else, knowing that Jesus values our souls more than his life. Jesus goes to the Cross to redeem Judas and to redeem us all, to examine our own hearts to ensure that we value nothing more than Jesus—To fortify ourselves against any earthly enticements that might tempt us to callously choose sin over Jesus. 

May the example of Judas serve at least as reminder of how subtle temptations can grow into outright rejection if we are not vigilant against them, and the need to reject fleeting rewards in order to embrace instead the eternal value found only in faithful, humble devotion to Jesus for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As we stand at the threshold of the sacred Paschal Triduum, let us humbly lift our hearts in prayer, seeking fidelity and strength from Christ our Savior.

For the Church throughout the world, that we may remain faithful and vigilant, resisting the subtle temptations of worldly gain, and always choosing Christ above all else. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all leaders and public officials, that their decisions may reflect integrity and justice, rejecting greed, corruption, and self-interest in favor of serving the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with temptation, greed, or selfishness, that they may find strength and healing in the merciful presence of Jesus, who offers lasting freedom and true fulfillment. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish community, that we may enter into these sacred days with hearts purified and renewed, fully valuing the priceless gift of Christ’s sacrifice and love. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the chronically ill and all the suffering, that they may know the compassionate love of Christ, who suffered for us and never abandons us. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have died, that they may experience the fullness of redemption and eternal life purchased by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Let us pray to the Lord.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and strengthen our devotion, that we may faithfully journey with Christ through His passion and resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Holy Week 2025 - Tuesday - Greed, Grace, and the Glory of the Cross

 

When Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray Him, the 12 were befuddled. How could one of their own be responsible for betraying the master? Each of the apostles had their flaws, of course. Some were a bit hotheaded or slow to understand Jesus’ mission and identity. But, who would willingly and knowingly place their own will in competition with Christ’s? No one would be that arrogant, would they?

The Apostle Judas was likely a very capable young man. He was given a position of some importance, to carry the money purse. He was trusted by his fellow apostles. He had been sent out, by Jesus, just like the others: to heal the sick and cast out demons and preach repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. He was trusted, loved, he was called “friend” and “brother.” 

How did Judas go from trusted apostle to committing the worst of betrayals?

Yesterday, we heard how Judas objected to the extravagant display of affection for Jesus, when Mary anointed the Lord’s feet with expensive oil and dried them with her hair. The oil, Judas explained, could have been sold for much and the money given to the poor. St. John tells us, his objection was not because Judas actually cared for the poor, but because he was a thief—he stole, he was greedy.

Was Judas always a thief? Did Jesus call him as an apostle knowing his tendency to skim a little something for himself? It could be. Jesus after all called Matthew a tax collector. Tax collectors were known for extortion.

Or was Judas becoming a thief a slow descent into corruption through a series of justifications—giving-in to one weakness after another.

If it can happen to an apostle, it can happen to us. And it probably already has. During holy week, we aren’t meant to point fingers at Jesus’ enemies and say, thank goodness I’m not like them. Rather, this week, we point our fingers at ourselves, we beat our breasts as Jesus goes to the cross, knowing that it is our fault, our fault, our most grievous fault.

And yet, he goes to the cross for you and for me out of love.

Judas’ greed is contrasted in the Gospel with the lavish love of Christ—which is evident not in lip-service. He doesn’t simply tell us he loves us. He shows us. He suffers for us. Judas stole from the poor, Jesus dies for the poor. Judas betrayed his friend, Jesus dies for his betrayers.  

Unlike Judas, however, in these final days of Holy Week, we acknowledge our need for a savior with ineffable gratitude that is meant to change us to become more like Christ. May we respond as we should to the unmerited grace of redemption for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As we journey with Christ to the cross, let us bring our prayers before the Father, trusting in His mercy and seeking the grace to follow Jesus with integrity and love.

For the Church throughout the world: that during these sacred days she may lead all people to deeper repentance and a more faithful following of Christ, who gave himself up for us. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our Bishop, priests, and all of the faithful who will gather this evening for the Chrism Mass, and that the Charity of the Church of Cleveland may overflow like precious oil.

For those who, like Judas, have wandered from the path of truth through sin or scandal: that they may encounter the mercy of Christ and return with contrite hearts to the love of God.Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with greed, dishonesty, or selfishness: that the example of Christ’s sacrificial love may inspire true conversion and generosity. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the poor, the forgotten, and the betrayed: that they may know the compassionate love of Christ, who suffered for them and never abandons them. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter: that they may be strengthened in faith and filled with love for Christ who calls them his friends. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead: that through the mercy of Christ who died for all, they may be raised to new and eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.

God of mercy, in your Son Jesus you have revealed your love even to those who betray and abandon you. Hear the prayers we offer in humility and gratitude, and grant us the grace to walk more faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Holy Week 2024 - Wednesday - Persevering in Mercy amidst Betrayal

Yesterday, the first reading from Isaiah contained the second of the four servant songs—those poetic prophecies regarding the servant of God who would extend the salvation of God throughout all the earth through his humble service. We then considered how Jesus is the fulfillment of that humble servant—especially at the last supper as he washes his disciples’ feet.

Today, we delve into the poignant parallels between the Third Servant Song of Isaiah and the harrowing betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of His trusted disciples.

In Isaiah 50, we encounter the Servant of the Lord, who speaks with a voice of resilience and divine assurance. He is no ordinary servant; he is a teacher who "wakens morning by morning," attuned to God's voice, equipped to offer words that sustain the weary. Yet, this divine mission does not shield him from suffering. On the contrary, the Servant describes a path marked by humiliation and pain—struck, insulted, and shamed. Despite this, he stands unwavering, bolstered by God's vindication, facing his adversaries with a steadfast heart.

Jesus walks this path during His final days. In the intimacy of the upper room, He breaks bread with His friends, aware of the darkness looming. Here, the shadow of betrayal hangs heavily, not from a distant enemy, but from within His inner circle. Judas, one of the Twelve, chosen and trusted, turns away from the light of fellowship, stepping into the night to betray his Master.

The betrayal by Judas is not just a narrative detail; it intensifies the suffering of Jesus, injecting the poison of betrayal into the already daunting prospect of His impending passion and death. Yet, in this moment of ultimate betrayal, the true character of Jesus, like that of Isaiah's Servant, shines brightest. He does not retaliate, does not falter. Instead, He continues to fulfill His mission of love and redemption, embracing the path set before Him with unwavering resolve.

Perhaps, reading about Judas causes us to reflect upon our own experiences of ruptured friendships or even betrayal. Each of us, in our journey of faith, face moments when it is difficult to love the people around us. Yet, the lesson of God’s Servant—Christ the Lord—calls us not to dwell on bitterness or plans of retribution but to the courage of forgiveness.

The example of our Lord is not just one of passive acceptance of suffering but to an active trust in God's justice and mercy—to turn our moments of betrayal into opportunities for grace.

God’s ultimate vindication is in the extension of mercy. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. 

And may the love and mercy of Christ, who endured betrayal for our sake, heal our wounds and guide our steps in the path of peace for the glory of God and the 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 the grace of these holy days may touch the most hardened of hearts, and move unrepented sinners and fallen-away Catholics to return to the mercy of God.

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.

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 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.

Holy Week 2023 - Spy Wednesday - Look for opportunities for good

Wednesday of Holy week is known as Spy Wednesday, because on this day Judas made the shameful bargain with the sanhedrin for 30 pieces of silver and went “spying”—looking—for an opportunity to betray Jesus. 

Judas had been counted as one of the apostles, called by the Lord to be an agent for good, but he became, by his own choice, an undercover agent for the enemy, for Satan. For 30 pieces of silver, Judas would betray the trust of his friend, his teacher, his rabbi, in order to deliver him into the hands of his enemies. And Judas knew what they would do to him. 

That moment of betrayal would occur following the Last Supper in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas instigated the Lord’s arrest with the sign of a kiss. A kiss, what is to be a sign of affection and friendship and love becomes an instrument of evil.  The agent of evil uses good things to pursue his evil ends.

But we know the rest of the story. How our good God turned the greatest evil into the greatest good. 

And so, unlike Judas who goes spying looking for opportunities for evil, Christians must go spying, and looking for opportunities for good, always on the lookout to do some good. Psalm 37 says “Trust in the Lord and do good… Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever.” The Lord Jesus himself teaches “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great” St. Paul instructs bishop Timothy to instruct his flock “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”

Being Christian isn’t just about avoiding evil, avoiding selfishness, rather, we are to be agents of good. Endeavoring to do good works, looking for opportunities to inject the goodness of God into this fallen world. Christianity is a different way of life than just keeping your head down, minding your own business, just thinking about yourself, We aren’t to look for opportunities to personally benefit, we’re to look for opportunities that cost us something. 

That’s the very opposite of Judas’ selfish, greedy, betrayal…we are to put ourselves on the line for others. Judas snuck in the shadows, we are to walk in the light with abounding good works. 

On this final full day of Lent, give to the Lord in prayer, penance, and good works, countering the selfishness of Judas expecting nothing in return in nomine Christi, in the name of Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That the grace of the upcoming holy days may touch the most hardened of hearts, and move unrepented sinners and fallen-away Catholics to return to the mercy of God.

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.

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 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.

Holy Week 2023 - Tuesday - Holy Oils and the beloved disciple

 

Tuesday of Holy Week is always a special day in the diocese of Cleveland. This evening, surrounded by his priests, deacons, and members of the faithful throughout the diocese, the bishop will celebrate the Chrism Mass. It is so called, of course, because at the Chrism Mass, the Bishop blesses the oils that will be used for the celebration of the sacraments throughout the diocese. And there are three such oils.

The first oil is the oil of the sick that will be used in hospitals, nursing homes, at death beds and healing services. Through the use of the oil of the sick, the infirmed and dying are united to the suffering Christ, comforted by his closeness, and given strength to bare their cross in union with him.

The second oil blessed at the Chrism mass is the oil of catechumens. As we heard yesterday, the Lord Jesus was anointed at Bethany by Mary before his death. So too, those preparing for baptism are anointed before they go down into the waters to die with Christ so that they may be raised with him. 

The third oil is the sacred Chrism. And that fragrant oil is used after baptism to more deeply associate the new Christian with Christ—the anointed one. Sacred Chrism is used at confirmation, to seal us with special gifts of the holy spirit for the carrying out of our Gospel mission, witnessing with our lives, like Christ to the Good News. Sacred Chrism is also used in Holy Orders, that deacons, priests, and bishops might pour themselves out in service to God and the Church, like Our Lord. 

It is fitting that during Holy Week we celebrate the Chrism Mass and the blessing of these oils, because these oils all remind us to more closely unite ourselves to Christ, and that’s certainly one of the themes of Holy Week. 

In the Gospel today, Peter boasts of how he will follow the Lord even unto death. But we know because of his human weakness and cowardice, Peter flees from the cross. Rather, it is the beloved disciple John, who reclined on the breast of Our Lord, near to his heart.

The Sacraments, especially those involving the oil that is blessed today, all help us to be more like John. John has placed his ear, his mind, his eyes, his senses as close to the heart of Jesus as possible, and he is filled with light and strength and courage to follow where none of the other apostles were able to go.

Please pray for the priests today we gather with the bishop, not only to witness the blessing of the oils, but also to renew our priestly promises. And pray for the Church of Cleveland today as a whole, that through the lasting effects of the holy anointings we have received, we will be ever-more united to Christ who is faithful to his Father’s will unto death for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For the Catechumens who will be baptized and confirmed this easter, that these final days of preparation may purify and enlighten them to follow Christ always and everywhere.

For the priests of the Diocese gathering today, that their time together will strengthen them, deepen their bonds of charity and faith, and renew them in their priestly commitments.

That in these final days of Lent we may have the strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

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.

Holy Week 2023 - Monday - Judas and Mary of Bethany

Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles.  Yet, never has the liturgical calendar given a date for his feast day; no people in the entire world claim him as their patron.  Artists in the early Christian centuries would often deliberately obscure Judas to avoid honoring him with the other eleven apostles. 

We almost don’t even like to say his name.  Yes, each of the apostles was burdened with human weakness, but they eventually came to accept the grace of God and became great evangelizers and martyrs for the faith.  But not Judas.

We heard in Matthew’s Passion, that after betraying the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas returned to the chief priests and tried to return the 30 pieces of silver, admitting, “"I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." But then, he went on to hang himself. Even though the poet Dante Alighieri put Judas in the very depths of hell for his betrayal, we do not know Judas’ eternal situation. But his final act seems to indicate a heart which has selfishly rejected the necessity of repentance and belief in Jesus as Savior-Messiah and Son of God.

Today, we heard of Judas’ avarice:  in the house of Bethany, he objected when oil was used to anoint the feet of Jesus, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and used to steal from the contributions.  

Recall, an earlier Gospel story about the house of Mary and Martha.  Jesus praises Mary for sitting at his feet and listening to Him.  He commends Mary even over her sister Martha who was busy with housework, perhaps even getting the meal ready that they would later share. 

Now Judas too fails to enter into the intimate moment of compassion for what the Lord is about to suffering. Judas’ heart is filled with greed.  His avarice keeps him from the present reality. The heart of the greedy have a difficult time even grasping the concept of generosity. If he could not grasp Mary’s generosity, he could likely not grasp why the Lord would willingly and generously undertake his passion.

Mary and Judas provide an important dichotomy at the beginning of Holy Week.  Again, Mary has chosen the better portion.  She pours out a year’s salary to anoint and adore Christ.  Judas’ heart was far from Christ.  He viewed the events of Holy Week with selfish, self-concerned eyes. Mary gives, while Judas takes, and keeps things from Jesus.  Mary pours out, while Judas betrays.  

Let us, of course, follow Mary’s example, gladly pouring out the best we have in order to adore Christ and repent from our greed which has kept us from loving Christ.  This is a week for intensifying our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, that, as Christ’s blood is poured out for the world on Calvary, may we be poured out with him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That God may be pleased to increase 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.

Holy Week 2022 - Tuesday - Song of Suffering and Glory

In the days of Holy Week, the Church presents select passages from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. These particular passages are known as the “Servant Songs”, and in these passages the prophet Isaiah depicts the Messiah as God’s faithful Servant through whom God would deliver the world from the prison of sin. There are four of these servant songs.

Yesterday, we heard from the first of the servant songs from Isaiah chapter 42: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased… I formed you, and set you… To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” God’s servant has a mission, and that first servant song foretells how that mission will be successful. 

Today we read a selection of the second servant song from isaiah chapter 49. Isaiah foretells how, God's servant will be successful and victorious in carrying out his mission, but he will also experience some difficulty, even feelings of failure. “I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength.” There were points in his ministry, where the Lord’s miracles and preaching were met, not with conversion and belief, but with hardness of heart and attempts to silence him. And then it appears that the servant feels defeated in the midst of this overwhelming task assigned to him by God. And yet, his discouragement is quickly transformed into confidence as he acknowledges that all he is doing and will do is for God’s sake and mission. Despite initial difficulties, the servant proclaims, “I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength!”

Now notice in the Gospel today, at the last supper, St. John tells us, Jesus was deeply troubled, he had intuited that one of his closest friends was going to betray him, and that the head of the apostles, Peter was going to deny him. After all this time, after all the miracles they had witnessed, how could these closest ones not get it. The words of the servant song, perhaps piercing his heart, “I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength.”

But just like the servant song, after speaking of discouragement, the Lord speaks of glory. “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” Even if his own friends betray him and abandon him, he will glorify God, God’s merciful love will be made known in Jesus’ Passion of Death, the mission will be victorious. 

It is good for us to ponder what was going on in the heart of the Lord during Holy Week, at the last supper, during his Passion. He, like us, knows what it means to overwhelmed, and troubled, and discouraged. But like Him, it is important to remember that when we are faithful, if we do the work, God will be glorified. In those low moments, like the suffering servant, we are to renew our confidence in God, that our reward is not an earthly one, but a heavenly one; that through our trials, God is our strength; and in our sufferings, we will be glorified with Him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That God may be pleased to increase 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.

Holy Week 2021 - Good Friday - "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"

 

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”

While we did not read those words from St. Luke’s Gospel either on Palm Sunday or Good Friday this year, this plea for mercy for others uttered by our Lord from the cross have been echoing in my heart today.

To whom was the Lord addressing that prayer for mercy? In Luke’s Passion narrative, the Lord’s petition for forgiveness immediately follow’s the description of his crucifixion: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus no doubt offered this prayer on behalf of the Roman soldiers who literally nailed him to the cross. They knew not what they did, they were just following orders. They hadn’t heard him preach, they didn’t know his identity. They were treating Jesus just like they would any criminal, though maybe a bit more severely, due to his reputation as King of the Jews. They certainly did not know that he truly was a King, though his Kingdom was not of this world. If they would have known his true identity, writes St. Paul to the Corinthians, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (I Cor 2:8).

So certainly Jesus’s plea was for his actual executioners, who though they treated him with cruelty and harshness, did not know they were committing deicide—putting to death the innocent lamb of God. And yet, did Jesus not also offer that merciful plea to his Father on behalf of the Jews who conspired to put him on the cross? The scribes, pharisees, Sadducees, annas and Caiaphas: those who interpreted his teachings as blasphemy—those who saw him as a threat to their own religious authority—those who he threw out of the temple for turning God’s house into a den of thievery. Those who called for the release of Barabbas. Those who literally called for his crucifixion. They showed that they misunderstood his teachings and actions at every step, so wasn’t he also praying for them? Not just for his executioners, but those who conspired against him? 

But the Lord’s prayer was not simply just for his executions, or the Jewish conspirators, was it? We know who that prayer was for. It was for us. It was for me. It was for you. It was for Moses. It was for Adam and Eve. It was for us all. All people of all time. As St. Peter writes in his first epistle: “Christ suffered for sins, the Righteous One for the sake of the Unrighteous Ones (that’s us), that he might lead us to God. (I Peter 3:18)

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. None of us can really understand the gravity of our sins. Human sin, after all, is an afront to the infinite God. And can we really ever truly grasp God’s infinite goodness and love, which sin offends. We can’t even really comprehend how our sins wound and hurt our neighbor, or our family members, let alone the infinite God. “Those who do not know what they do” that’s us. 

But just because we don’t understand the gravity of our sins, doesn’t mean they aren’t sins and an abomination to God, just the same. Just because we don’t understand the impact, the severity, the wounds that we cause, doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. 

The reason today is called Good Friday, is as St. Paul writes: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). “Father forgive them” for we needed forgiveness.

Throughout the ages the martyrs have echoed the Lord’s prayer for mercy. St. James, the first of the apostles to be martyred, knelt and prayed as he was being stoned by the scribes and Pharisees: “Lord, God, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” St. Stephen, too, condemned to death by Paul, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Even our own patron, Ignatius to the Church of Ephesus, recommended that as they underwent persecution, they too should pray. Ignatius writes, “Offer prayers in response to their blasphemies…be gentle in response to their cruelty and do not be eager to imitate them in return…Let us eagerly be imitators of the Lord.” This, coming from a man who was being marched in chains to be torn apart by lions.

As each of us comes forward to adore the holy cross today, let us come with the same prayer upon our lips. We pray for the world. We pray for those who do not believe in Christ. We pray for members of the Church who love and believe imperfectly. Pray for those who have hurt you or who might hurt you in the future. Pray for those who bring ruin to our nation, to our diocese.  Pray for your pastor, as he prays for you. “Father, forgive them for they no not what they do. Father, forgive me, for I, so often know not what I do.” For the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Holy Week 2021 - Wednesday - "I have set my face like flint"

In the middle of Holy Week, we hear from prophet Isaiah. 800 years before the Lord’s birth, Isaiah prophecies about the Messiah. He starts with a number of characteristics of the Messiah: he will have a well-trained tongue, he will speak to the weary, he will not turn his back on God or rebel from the will of God, as difficult as it might be.

Isaiah then foreshadows the sufferings the Lord will endure in his passion as he makes his journey to the cross: his back will be beaten, his beard will be plucked, he will be mocked, his face will be beaten and spit upon. On Good Friday, we will hear again how the Lord is beaten and mocked as he carries his cross through the streets of Jerusalem.

But, Isaiah also gives us a glimpse into the heart of our Lord as he carries his cross. He is not filled with resentment or despair. Rather, he sets his “face like flint”—a phrase to describe Jesus’ unwavering determination to persevere in the excruciating task set before him. His inner strength, to bear the cross, to bear the weight of the sins of the world, my sins and your sins—his strength and fortitude is beyond measure.

And yet, his strength and his firm and unflinching commitment to fulfill his mission derives from his absolute trust in his Father—as Isaiah says, “He is near who upholds my right…the Lord God is my help”

Staying on track in the Christian life requires setting our faces like flint. Difficult tasks and heavy burdens in the Christian life—fulfilling the responsibilities of one’s vocation, witnessing to the Gospel in a culture who mocks Christianity at every turn—requires fortitude. But that inner strength will quickly evaporate for us mere humans, like Peter’s courage at the sight of the cross evaporates, if we are not rooted in absolute trust, surrender, and love of God.

St. Paul explains the source of his fortitude in his evangelizing mission through storms, tortures, imprisonment and impending martyrdom, when he writes, “there but for the grace of God go I”. With abandonment to the grace and will of God comes the strength to remain faithful to God’s holy will despite the cost.

Contemplating our Lord’s own sufferings in the upcoming days, may we love God and trust God with ever-increasing abandonment to His divine will, that our faces may be set as flint against the buffeting winds of our culture, the temptations of the flesh, and fear of suffering for the Gospel, that we may be faithful to the holy work and heavy crosses of our time for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

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.

Holy Week 2019 - Spy Wednesday - Being Honest with Jesus

Wednesday of Holy week is known as Spy Wednesday, because on this day Judas made the shameful bargain with the high priest for 30 pieces of silver and went "spying"--looking--for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

How did this happen? How did Judas go from giving up everything to follow Jesus, to betraying Him for a miserable thirty pieces of silver? The beginning of Judas’ downfall, perhaps, was his secrecy. In the beginning of his discipleship, Judas Iscariot was, must have been, open with Jesus, sharing his thoughts, his dreams, his desires, and his fears like any of his apostles. And then, little by little, Judas became disillusioned and jaded. He withdrew into himself. He cloaked his temptations, his fears, his struggles, and his failures. The first time we hear from Judas in the Gospels, he is erupting with fury over Jesus being anointed with the costly oil. Judas had bottled up his anger, instead of bringing it to Jesus.

Something very similar happens when a soul stops going to confession, or confesses too infrequently, or puts off going to confession. One becomes accustomed to living with the sickness of one’s secrets. One adjusts to living with them, and they poison the soul. This need to confess has always been valued by the Church. How important it is to lay bare our souls to a trusted spiritual father, to admit not only our sins, but also our temptations and our struggles. This act of humility disarms Satan, and renders him powerless. When we fail to confess our sins and, instead, hide them, we give the Evil One a foothold in us. Failure to confess sin will almost always lead to estrangement from God and resentment toward the Church and other Christians.

Judas must have stopped conversing with Jesus in a personal way. Certainly he continued talking to Jesus superficially, but mostly about business. He was, after all, responsible for administering the common fund of the Twelve. He stopped relating to Jesus in a personal way, as one trusting friend talks to another, heart to heart.

Hopefully, our Lenten observances have helped us to trust Jesus more deeply. Hopefully, we have encountered him in quality prayer, and not simply superficial babbling in his general direction. Hopefully, we have opened our hearts to Jesus, to allow him to see our woundedness and frustration. Hopefully, unlike Judas who was filled with greed and selfishness, we have learned to serve Jesus lovingly and generously. If not, it’s not too late.

We will be invited over the next three days very close to Jesus’ heart. Jesus freely undergoes the events of the Paschal Triduum out of love for us and the desire to save us from our sins, from our Judas-like tendencies and experience the true freedom of the children of God 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.

Holy Week 2019 - Tuesday - The Confidence of the Suffering Servant

In the days of Holy Week, the Church presents select passages from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. These particular passages are known as the “Servant Songs”, and in these passages the prophet Isaiah foresees the service, suffering, and exaltation of the Servant of the Lord, the Messiah. The four Servant songs of Isaiah depict the Messiah as God’s faithful, meek and gentle Servant. He is a royal figure, representing Israel in its ideal, most faithful form; He is the high priest, atoning for the sins of the world. Isaiah predicts that this Servant of God would deliver the world from the prison of sin.

Today’s passage is from the second of the four Servant Songs. Where in the first song, we are introduced to God’s servant as the restorer of Israel and a light to the nations, in this second song, there is a discordant note. Though he labors faithfully for the Lord, it appears at times, that his labors are in vain, his work is obstructed. He laments, “I have labored in vain; / I have spent my strength for nothing at all” He feels useless in the midst of this overwhelming task assigned to him by God. And yet, his discouragement is quickly transformed into confidence as he acknowledges that all he is doing and will do is for God’s sake and mission.

This servant song gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus the Messiah, who faces opposition from the powers of darkness, even from within his own band of friends, as we hear in the Gospel today. From his closest companions he will experience betrayal and denial. And the cross will appear to many as failure. But we know, that the cross does not end in defeat. And that those who believe in him, “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Being a Christian, following Christ often feels like an overwhelming task. How can I possibly love my neighbor as he loves? How can I possibly overcome my tremendous temptations? How can I possibly fulfill the demands my vocation makes on me? Or how often does it feel like defeat when family members continue to live outside of the Church after all of our prayers and efforts.

And yet, in those low moments, like the suffering servant, we are to renew our confidence in God, that our reward is not an earthly one, but a heavenly one, that through our sufferings we are “made glorious”, and that in our trials, “God is now my strength.” 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 the conversion of our persecutors, for the grace to forgive our enemies, and forbearance in our trials.

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.

Holy Week 2019 - Monday - His Holy Feet

What a beautiful, intimate, tender, moment, we’ve just heard described on this Monday of the Holiest Week of the year, when Mary anoints the feet of Jesus, and washes them with her hair.

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.

Palm Sunday 2019 - Sights, Sounds, Silences, Smells, and Sentiments of Holy Week

Today, Palm Sunday, begins Holy Week.  This week is filled with many vivid moments—sights and sounds and silences, smells and sentiments. Today, we hear crowds singing praises to Jesus as he enters Jerusalem as Messiah, and how those praises all too quickly turn into jeering and mocking and calling for crucifixion. 

On Monday, you might even smell the fragrance of aromatic oil anointing the feet of Jesus and hear the spite in the betrayer’s voice, that to anoint Jesus is a waste.

On Tuesday, you might detect how the conviction in St. Peter’s voice to “follow the Lord” anywhere is sadly replaced with fear and denial. The whispers of conspirators and the sound of silver coins are heard on Wednesday.  And On Thursday, perhaps you’ll come to hear the quiet lapping of water, when the Master washes the feet of his disciples and the sound of breaking bread and pouring wine at the Last supper.

Throughout the week, IF you listen, you’ll hear the sounds of crying, whipping, hammering, the cries of crucifixion, prayers offered to the Father, the weeping of a sorrowful mother and the deafening silence of the tomb.

The sounds of Holy Week are piercing and thunderous. Jesus cries out in a loud voice as he gives up His spirit. The curtain of the sanctuary is ripped in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, boulders split, tombs opened.

Since this  week is filled with so much sound, we are called to do a lot of listening.  Listening to the narratives of Jesus’ final days and hours and moments this week. In this week called “Holy”, grow quiet and Listen!

Turn off the televisions, the iphones, and computers. Log off, and open the book of books. Read and enter into the most important drama. If you can, join us for daily Mass to hear the drama unfold.
It was the practice of many homes to turn off all the radios and televisions, especially on Good Friday, as a way of saying this is not a day for entertainment, but a day of turning my heart to what matters most: sincere repentance and reflection upon the savior’s redemptive self-sacrifice.

If you’ve never attended the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday or the Easter Vigil, consider attending this year.  The Church’s morning prayer will be prayed during the Triduum at 10am. In such a noisy world, with so many distractions we need these moments to listen to the Word.

If all we listen to are the sounds of the world: the bitterness, the resentment, the violence, and political argument, our lives will soon only echo the values of the world.  We listen to God’s Word—the sound of outpoured love, so that our lives may echo and resound with his beating Sacred Heart.

This week, I encourage you to make time to read through the passion narratives again.  Perhaps pick the part of the passion that resonates with you most. Perhaps, return to that moment, of Simon carrying the heavy cross at Jesus' side, or the hope of the good thief, pleading with Jesus to remember Him, as he comes into His kingdom.  A day shouldn’t go by during this Holiest Week of the Church year, without spending quality time in prayerful reflection upon Jesus’ Passion.

Where will you incline your ear this week?  To the sounds of the world, or, like St. John at the Last Supper, to the savior’s breast,  to the beating heart of the Word made flesh?
 
During the first Holy Week, two thousand years ago, Jesus achieved victory over sin and evil.  During this Holy Week, he wants to extend that victory ever more deeply into our hearts. May we bring our hearts to him in our participation in liturgy, or personal prayer and meditation on Scripture, in fasting, and good works this Holy Week, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Holy Week 2018 - Thursday Morning - Passover Preparations

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke each tell us how Jesus sent his disciples to make preparations for the Last Supper: they were to inspect the room in which it was to be celebrated, and to ensure that it was furnished for the ritual meal.

Just as we’ve already begun to prepare for the evening mass of the Lord’s supper, by filling the communion cups, filling the ciboria with hosts, placing the chairs for the washing of the feet, so too the disciples would ensure the cups and plates and utensils and bowls for the ritual washings were in place for the Passover meal.

Part of their inspection was to ensure that the room was swept clean of leaven. Throughout the Scriptures leaven is consistently a symbol for what is sinful, false, and evil. Jesus refers to the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees: their false teaching, their greedy attachments, their spiritual blindness.

Today is a good day to inspect the houses of our hearts, to sweep them clean of leaven: to identify anything that might distract us from truly experiencing the solemnity of the Sacred Triduum, to ensure that we’ve set aside time for plenty of prayer, reflection, gratitude, and repentance over the next three days.

The Psalms of the Church’s Morning Prayer this morning speak of God as Savior. God is invoked as the “God of Hosts”—the leader of a heavenly army who brings victory over the evil in the lives of his people. The Paschal Triduum is a celebration of God’s great victory over sin, but we know that victory comes at a price, the cross. And to share in the victory, we must renounce sin and selfishness and take up our cross as well.

We must, love one another as Christ commands his disciples to do at the Last Supper.
And all this begins by sweeping our house of leaven, sweeping it clean of the smallest little lies that we tell ourselves to justify selfishness, preparing our heart as a vessels for the Lord to fill with the wine of charity.

May we use the time we have given wisely and diligently, to prepare for the high holy days of our faith, in which the Lord will teach us, feed us, cleanse us, and raise us for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

Holy Week 2018 - Tuesday - The Greed of Judas and the Love of Jesus

When Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray Him, the 12 were befuddled. How could one of their own be responsible for betraying the master? Each of the apostles had their flaws, of course. Some were a bit hotheaded or slow to understand Jesus’ mission and identity. But, who would willingly and knowingly place their own will in competition with Christ’s? No one would be that arrogant, would they?

The Apostle Judas was likely a very capable young man. He was given a position of some importance, to carry the money purse. He was trusted by his fellow apostles. He had been sent out, by Jesus, just like the others: to heal the sick and cast out demons and preach repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God. He was trusted, loved, he was called “friend” and “brother.”

How did Judas go from trusted apostle to committing the worst of betrayals?

Yesterday, we heard how Judas objected to the extravagant display of affection for Jesus, when Mary anointed the Lord’s feet with expensive oil and dried them with her hair. The oil, Judas explained, could have been sold for much and the money given to the poor. St. John tells us, his objection was not because Judas actually cared for the poor, but because he was a thief—he stole, he was greedy.
Judas’ selfishness and greed became the opening for Satan to enter Judas, to use Judas as his instrument. Satan, who himself betrayed God, who sought to obstruct the plans of God, attempted to use Judas for the same end.

If it can happen to an apostle, it can happen to us. The devil will always try to exploit our selfishness. He uses human selfishness to cause divisions in marriage, friendships, faith communities anywhere there is good, he will try to pervert--through even the small acts of selfishness you try to justify to ourselves.

Judas’ greed is contrasted in the Gospel with the lavish love that should flow from faith, as seen yesterday in Mary of Bethany’s generosity in anointing Jesus, which is seen ultimately, in Jesus’ self-donation on the Cross, his embrace of suffering for us poor sinners.

Judas “cared not for the poor,” only for himself.

In these final days of Holy Week, may we acknowledge our selfishness, our failure to emulate Jesus’ outpouring of love, and pray and do penance for those times, those relationships in which we’ve allowed greed to reign.

We trust the Lord does forgive us, when we repent, as Judas failed to do, because the Lord loves us, and desires not the death of the sinner, but his conversion.

May we open our hearts to growing in the selfless charity of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For our Bishop, priests, and all of the faithful who will gather this evening for the Chrism Mass, and that the Charity of the Church of Cleveland may overflow like precious oil.

That God may be pleased to increase 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.

Holy Week 2018 - Monday - Charity in the house of Bethany

The Gospel presents two very different attitudes towards Jesus: symbolized by Mary, Martha and Lazarus on one hand, and Judas Isacriot on the other.

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus recline with Jesus, serve Him and anoint Him. Lazarus is gratefully aware that Jesus had raised him from the dead and wants to share that joy with others as he invites everyone to a banquet in his home to meet Jesus. Mary lavishly shows her love and affection for Jesus by anointing his holy feet with expensive perfumed oil and drying his feet with her hair.

But not Judas. Judas snickers, Judas sneers, Judas mocks. Judas wants to get rid of Jesus.

The Church is to embody the spirit of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary: serving Jesus, bringing people closer to Jesus that they may share with him in the banquet of life, lavishly pouring out our very best, our very selves to honor and love Jesus.

And very often, the world is like Judas Iscariot. Sneering and snickering at the Church, mocking the Church, trying to turn people away from the Church’s lavish worship of the Lord.

But we must not be embarrassed in our lavish worship of Him, we must not hold back from lavishly serving him, and we must not be hesitant in inviting those who hunger for his goodness, his truth, and his beauty, to the table of the Lord.

What seems like an incredible waste of time and money to the world—our service, our worship, our efforts, is an expression of our immense gratitude for what the Lord has done for us, the blessings he bestows upon us, and the immensity of what he suffers for us, which we meditate upon later this week.

Each of us does well today to reflect upon how we can show our gratitude to the Lord, how we can serve the Lord, and how we can bring others to know the Lord, even perhaps to soften the hearts of the Judases of the world, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That God may be pleased to increase 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.

Homily: Tuesday of Holy Week 2017 - The sin of Judas Iscariot

Holy Week is a sacred time for us to truly draw close to Our Lord as we reflect upon His profound love for us sinners. He goes to the cross to defeat sin and restore life. Today’s Gospel reveals something quite important about the nature of sin.

Before Judas betrays Jesus in the garden, we read today how Judas had already betrayed the Lord in his heart. We read how the Spirit of Satan entered Judas already at the Last Supper.
Jesus detects Judas’ interior betrayal, so Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."… and Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.

Judas leaves the meal before its conclusion. Judas breaks his communion with Jesus, his communion with the Apostles gathered around Him. Sin and division leads Judas out of communion with Jesus and the Twelve, and this was sin which took place in Judas’ heart.

John also points out earlier that Judas had already begun accustoming himself to sinful thoughts, like greed. Unrepented sins from the past open us to graver future sins.

We then read how Judas goes off into the night. It is always darkness, it is always night when we forsake the Lord. Sin is always a turning away from his light—the light of his truth, the light of his moral goodness. Like Judas, even our interior sins, can be real and serious and mortal when we reject truth and goodness in our minds and hearts.

In the proceeding passage, which we’ll hear on Holy Thursday, Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles, even Judas’. Jesus had been reaching out beyond Judas' treachery to wash his feet right up to the final moment when Judas closes his heart to Christ and opens it to the devil. Even as we contemplate sin, Jesus is reaching out in love and compassion, urging us to turn away from our dark thoughts and plotting.

And the Good News of Good Friday is that even after the betrayal of sin, the Lord does not abandon us. He goes to the cross for us. He invites us to come out of the night back into his light, and to allow Him to banish Satan from our minds and hearts, to rejoin Him at the table, back in the light of Communion.

Our prayers for sinners who have abandoned Christ for the night are powerful this week. As we fast and pray with the Lord, we do well to bring to Him all those who choose to not bring themselves to Him. We pray that before it’s too late they will reject sin, reject Satan, reject faithlessness, error, heresy, and hear the Lord calling them home.

We do well to pray also for ourselves, to take ever more seriously the call to turn away from all sin, even our venial sins, to allow the Lord to fill us with his light and life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our Holy Week observances may bring renewal in faith, hope, and love throughout the Church.
That civil leaders will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.  We pray to the Lord.
For deliverance from all evil and all temptation: for those under the influence of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, atheism, sexual perversion, greed, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.
For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter, that these weeks of Lent may bring them purification and enlightenment in the ways of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness: that the tenderness of the Father’s love will comfort them.  We pray to the Lord.

Homily: Monday of Holy Week 2017 - Actions speak louder than words

painting by DANIEL F. GERHARTZ

What did Mary know? What did she understand? What was in her heart when she poured this anointment over Christ? What did she grasp about his identity, that she perform this very strange and costly action?

In the Old Testament, prophets are of course known for their preaching, calling people to repentance, inviting people back to intimate union with God. But they are also known for their actions. They would often perform strange actions which carried deep symbolic meaning.

Think of Elisha commanding Naaman the Syrian to go and wash himself in the Jordan. Isaiah strips off his clothing, shames himself, to expose the shame of Israel’s enemies. Hosea marries a prostitute to show how Israel had given herself over to false gods.

Jesus, too, uses prophetic gestures to show deeper meaning: he changes water into an abundance of wine, to show the abundance of God’s blessing, he puts clay on the blind man’s eyes showing that he restores us to an Eden-like state.

What is Mary, sister of Lazarus doing with this costly oil? Perhaps, she is simply thanking the Lord for raising her brother from the dead. It certainly shows her profound love for Him, a love we all do well to emulate. But, perhaps she did grasp something, the fruit of contemplating the face of Jesus as Martha her sister was busy at work around her. The anointing with oil certainly shows that Jesus is the anointed one, the one chosen by God to save us from our sins. The costliness of the oil shows the preciousness of his own sacrifice.

In scripture, so often, actions speak louder than words. And so to in our own lives. During this Holy Week, we do well to open the jars of costly anointment for the Lord—bringing Him our best, giving our best for Him.

I cannot help but thinking of the nearly 50 people who were killed by Islamic terrorists in Egypt yesterday on Palm Sunday. They gave their lives for Him. And we are called to do the same.
In our gestures of love for the needy, in our prayer, in our fasting, in our observance of the Holy Week liturgies, in preparing our homes and hearts for the Easter festivities.

During this Holy Week, our love and affection for Jesus should fill the room like the fragrance of ointment.  It should be detectable by those we meet. That they too perhaps can be drawn into the relationship of divine love for the glory of God and salvation of souls.