IN KEEPING WITH 'HIS HOUR'

 Reflection for Monday of Holy Week

(Is 42:1-7; Jn 12:1-11)

We are very close to the Hour of Jesus! While the Chief priests and Pharisees were intensifying their plot, Jesus Himself would freely step in to accomplish the Father’s will. This week, we shall see how Jesus’ free offering of Himself met with the malicious plot of the Jewish leaders against Him.

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.” It was like a thanksgiving supper. Lazarus became a living testimony that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Mary expressed her love and thanksgiving by pouring an expensive ointment on the feet of Jesus. The fragrance of the ointment points to the adoration due to Jesus as the Son of God. Silence covered the room as the fragrance rises. From now on, Jesus will be speaking directly about His Passion, and will use every opportunity available to bring it to the consciousness of His disciples.

The apostles gazed in wonder until Judas broke the silence... “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” His voice sounded convincing, and all who do not put God first in everything will fall for it. The greedy and selfish man will also use every opportunity available but for his own gain, including projecting religious sentiments to do so. By projecting helping the poor to the glory God in exchange to the love and honour given to Jesus, but for his own selfish interest, Judas had already sold out Jesus in his heart! Today, many so called celebrities and social crusaders, attempt to reduce the usefulness and goal of the Church to helping the needy. But Jesus replied immediately, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Soon the greed of Judas will join the malice of the Chief priests and Pharisees. These elders were working hard to destroy all evidences point to Jesus as the Messiah. “So the Chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” What they do not know is that the Father Himself bears witness to the Son (Jn 8:54).  

Meanwhile, whatever events that revolve around Jesus this week will contribute to the unfolding of His hour. He will silently transform both the love shown Him, and the greed and malice against Him to fulfill the will of the Father.  Hence the prophet Isaiah said that the Chosen One of God will bring forth justice; He will not cry or lift up His voice. He will not act in violence but silently bring about salvation for the people.  Therefore, let our lives revolve around Jesus, then every situation or fear we face today He will surely transform to the glory of His hour.

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Monday April 6^th, 2020.