+ In our first reading today we have the first of four Oracles of the Servant of the Lord. It was to be the Servant of the Father that Jesus came into this world. The first description of this servanthood is found in the reading from Isaiah – which is reminiscent of an Advent / Christmas theme. The one whose birth was foretold for generations is the one who would bring justice to all people, who would be meek and mild, who would be the wisest of teachers, who would be the light of the world. He would open the eyes of the blind and bring out prisoners from confinement and from the dungeon those who live in darkness. He would not do any of these things on his own – but as he is directed by God, his Father and ours.
The gospel passage speaks about an event in Jesus' last week in his pre-resurrection condition. He went to a dinner party at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. Mary (some say the Magdalene) anointed his feet with costly perfume (unwittingly against the days of his death and burial) – which Judas complained about such waste. Jesus took the opportunity to tell them all that the inspiration of the Spirit in performing specific works of love are of greater import than a standardized ruling or general categorical concept, even of ministering to the poor. There will always be the poor, but Jesus, in the flesh, would not always be there.
Many found out about Jesus presence there and came to see him and Lazarus. And this made both Jesus and Lazarus targets for the chief priests who were plotting to kill them both.
May we be devoted to Jesus this day as we recall the events of the last week of his life, as it was before the resurrection – and may we trust that all will be well, as Lazarus did, and Martha and Mary and the Magdalene. Their hope was rewarded, and so will ours be! Hail, to you, our King; Blessed are you who come in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
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