Monday of Holy Week; Continued
Read. Hebrews 9:11-15 Hebrews is all about worship, for worship is at the very centre of Christianity and heading up this collective worship is Jesus Christ the great high priest. In the opening sentence of this short passage we read that Jesus Christ is now High Priest over all that has been won through the suffering and death on the cross. This new reality has come into being through Christ’s sacrifice and now the Risen Jesus takes his place over all. Now perhaps more than ever before we are aware that our whole world is linked together. What developed in one country has now spread throughout every country and we are all affected by the same malaise. We don’t know when this forced personal isolation will end and it is easy to fall into despair. Yet our passage in Hebrews gives us hope by reminding us that Jesus Christ is now head of the future. Because of his sacrifice everything is now in his hands and under his guidance, so we can be comforted that things are not out of control. And Jesus has become the Great Shepherd of a world-wide flock. This gives us a brief glimpse into how world shattering were the events of Easter and the events which we remember in Holy Week. Read the passage again and marvel at the picture that the writer paints, that through the blood of Jesus Christ we can anticipate in an eternal inheritance. The present restrictions will pass but the promise of what Jesus has won will never pass away.
Prayer. Thank you Gracious God that the eternal inheritance that Jesus won for all who trust in him will always be present. Thank you, for this means that our future is secure and we can be at peace no matter what we are facing; in the end your victory will bring us safely through. Through your Holy Spirit encourage our hearts and minds to focus on you as we face present dangers and discomforts. Help us to keep our eye on the promise that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in other parts of our world who are facing similar threats without the resources or infrastructure that our society affords. Above all help us to hold on to the assurance that you are the one who above all will bring us through to security and peace. Amen
Read John 12:1-11. This is one of those passages that contains many insights. Biblical scholars tie their fingers in knots as they try to unpack the essence of the message. On this occasion let us simply read it as it is, namely Jesus and his disciples visiting the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus just a few days before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. There is the symbolism of Mary anointing Jesus as a pre-burial observance and the growing hostility, even hatred of the religious officials to both Jesus and Lazarus. But John’s main focus is of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet as an extravagant act of worship and adoration. The whole house is filled with the perfume of this expensive gift. The love shown is at the highest level imaginable. The ointment was worth a whole year’s wages and would have represented a secure lifeline in an uncertain world. This gift anoints not the head but the feet of Jesus and so adds an extra sign of humility. Mary’s love and devotion toward Jesus is surely John’s way of pointing us toward a deeper recognition of Jesus and encouraging us to likewise worship Him in love and humility.
Prayer. O Gracious God, full of mercy and love, we offer to you our thanks giving and praise. Through the Name of Jesus we come to you with confidence for there is no other name that will bring us the wholeness and assurance that we need. On this day when we remember the preparation that Jesus made on his journey to the cross we lift our hands and our hearts in humble adorations. We are filled with wonder as we realise how great is your love. Nothing can surpass the salvation that Jesus has delivered in your name to the whole creation. May our whole life reflect your goodness and grace. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect for today: (from the Prayer Book). Almighty God, whose Son was crucified yet entered into glory, may we walking in the way of the cross, find it to be the way of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen
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