Christ continues his mission

Readings: 1^st: Is 42:1-7; Ps: 23; Gos: Jn 12:1-11

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

The Church has started Holy Week. It is one of the most important weeks in the history of our salvation as God’s people. The persecution of Christ will only intensify this week.

In spite of this, Christ continues his mission. His visit to the house of Lazarus and his family was a visit of solidarity. As we saw last week, Christ shared their sorrow and “wept.” Today, he shares their joy.

He knows that the Jews were looking for him, and that they wanted him dead as soon as possible. However, he is no longer afraid because, he knows that soon, he will fulfill his Father’s will. He will freely hand himself over to them for one purpose, the salvation of the world.

Hence, the anointing of Jesus’s feet by Martha tells a lot about his future. Also, it shows the dept of love that Martha and her family had for Christ. They not only offered him the comfort of their home, they also offered him their cherished and most expensive treasure.

Martha’s action was an act of love, and an appreciation for what Christ represents for them. He is a Messiah, a valued friend, and of course, a king. The value of the perfume tells the whole story.

Martha and her family not only saw the present of Christ, but also his future. They saw his suffering, his death, his Resurrección. Most importantly, they recognized the presence of the king of eternal glory before them. So, Martha took advantage of the opportunity before her, and adored Christ, the King.

Many people like Judas could not see this. So, they only complained about wasting an expensive perfume. Of course, their argument seemed reasonable. However, it was not out of genuine intention for the poor, but out of pure jealousy and greedy.

As we accompany Christ this week, let us ask God to keep us faithful so that, as we share in his suffering, we might also share in his glory.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!