Monday; April 14, 2014, Monday of Holy Week
The Servant of the “Servant of Yahweh”
Both texts are about servanthood. The Isaiah is one of 4 servant songs in Isaiah and is a beautiful description of Jesus and his actions.
The NT text in John is about Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oil usually used to anoint a dead body. Martha is, of course, toiling in the kitchen. Judas reacts (serving his own purpose most likely) and Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, “There will always be poor in the land.” The rest of the passage is not quoted, but it should not be forgotten, “I command you therefore, always be open-handed with anyone in the country who is in need or is poor.” That command changes the meaning of what Jesus said tremendously. And surely, his listeners would have know the end of the passage.
Rohr’s prayer for the day: “God of love and justice, let me know and live that they are not separate. Loving people will do justice, and just people will do their work with love and respect.”
Rohr, Richard (2010-12-27). Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent (p. 127). St. Anthony Messenger Press. Kindle Edition.
