What Holy Week Offers

Today is Monday of Holy Week. What we celebrate at the end of Holy Week are the most solemn liturgies of the year. Today’s readings lead me to think about what God offers us this week.

Today’s first reading, Isaiah 42:1-7, is the first of four suffering servant oracles in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus fulfills what these oracles speak of. He is God’s Chosen One who receives God’s Spirit. He comes quietly, not shouting. He comes to bring justice. Justice not as punishment but taking the punishment for our sins upon himself. He opens the eyes of the blind and set prisoners free as He sets us free from our sins.

Turning to today’s gospel, John 12:-11, Mary anoints Jesus with the oil that is worth three hundred day’s wages. Judas complains about the waste but what Jesus offers us is worth it. What Jesus offers us is priceless.

He is the Son of God. He is the one without sin. Thus, on both accounts, his sacrifice is perfect. His sacrifice is priceless.

On Holy Thursday, we celebrate Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist. The bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Jesus. Priceless!

On Good Friday, we celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus’ Crucifixion, that which we celebrate in every Mass. Priceless!

Then comes Easter, the Resurrection. Jesus reveals to us eternal life! Priceless!

Jesus, I thank you for all that you offer us this week.

Peace,

Fr. Jeff