+(Intro) In our first reading from the prophet Isaiah we will hear of the Servant of the Lord who does not break the bruised reed or quench the smoldering wick. Let us then, be mindful of our bruises, where our own Christian faith may be smoldering.
(After the gospel) Our gospel presents us with the danger of wealth blinding us to what is precious and pleasing in God’s sight. Judas the Iscariot fails to see the wonder of Mary’s taking a liter to costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointing the feet of Jesus, drying them with her hair.
We live in a society of affluence where kindness and care for the poor can easily be overlooked, where wealth and power become the basis of decisions that can end up doing a lot of harm to the human family.
Jesus is ever inviting us to see him in one another, in all our sisters and brothers. May this week fill us with the grace of recognizing him and sharing whatever gifts we may have to ease their burdens. Then our own lives will become like precious ointment in eyes of God.
Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11