Monday of Holy Week

Theme: “Pouring Out What Is Precious”
Readings: Isaiah 42:1–7 | Psalm 27 | John 12:1–11



🌅 Welcome to the start of Holy Week. The shadow of the Cross begins to fall, yet the light of God’s love still shines brightly. Today, we see the courage of Mary, the silence of Jesus, and the bitterness of Judas—and we’re invited to ask: What do I bring to Jesus this week?

😂 You know, if Mary did that anointing today—pouring expensive perfume all over Jesus’ feet—someone in the room would shout, “Eish! At that price, you could’ve bought a bakkie of maize meal!”

But love isn’t always practical. It’s generous. It’s extravagant. And it doesn’t count the cost.

📖 In Isaiah 42, God introduces His servant—not shouting in the streets or crushing the weak, but gentle and faithful. This is Jesus: the Servant-King who lifts the broken and brings justice quietly, consistently.

In John 12, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, pours costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. She gives something beautiful, personal, and prophetic—an act of love preparing Him for burial. Judas criticises her, but Jesus defends her. Why? Because love like this isn’t wasteful—it’s worship.

Her act invites us to pour out what is most precious in us—not just things, but time, forgiveness, dignity, and our very selves.

✝️ At the Eucharist, Jesus offers not perfume but His body and blood. He is the precious ointment poured out for us. Every Mass is a reminder that God’s love is never stingy—it is always generous.

❓ Question for Reflection

  • What am I holding back from Jesus?
  • Do I love Him only with my lips—or also with my life?

🛠️ Daily Practical Application

  • Offer something “costly” today—your time, a heartfelt apology, a difficult act of forgiveness.

  • Sit at Jesus’ feet in prayer, as Mary did. Let silence speak.

  • Do something beautiful for someone who cannot repay you.

💔 If life has poured out sorrow upon you, remember—Jesus is near. He knows what it means to be surrounded by betrayal and pain. You are not invisible to Him. Your tears are noticed. And like Mary, you too can turn grief into a fragrant act of faith.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Become a fragrant offering in your community—visit the elderly, serve the poor, or mentor a child.

  • Pour out encouragement, hope, and healing. Don’t hold back what the Spirit urges you to give.

  • Write down what you’re grateful for this Holy Week and offer it back to God.

🇿🇦 In Mzansi, we know what it means to share even when we don’t have much. Like Mary, many gogos and mamas have poured out their strength, prayers, and love in quiet corners of the township or rural church. That’s holy ground. That’s Gospel love.

💬 Inspiration Quote

"What you give in love is never wasted. It becomes perfume in the house of God."

🧭 Pilgrims of Hope

As Pilgrims of Hope, we are not called to calculate but to consecrate. To pour out rather than preserve. To trust that whatever we give in love, God multiplies it.

🙏 

Lord Jesus,
I offer You not only what is convenient, but what is costly.
Help me to pour out my love without fear,
to trust that You see every quiet act of faith.
In this Holy Week, may I walk with You,
generously, humbly, and hopefully.
Amen.



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