Monday of Holy Week

Gospel - John 12:1-11

We Gather Together

Mass in the Cave, Bethlehem

When Ginger and I first started dating, I remember the first 2 times I invited her over to my apartment for dinner.  It did not go well!  The first time, I splurged and served her 2 cans of delicious ‘beefaroni’!  Ever since that item has been banned from our homeJ  Lesson learned!  So the second time I pulled out all the stops and bought some fresh meat and veggies from the store!  I was so proud, at least until she arrived and I proceeded to show her the items and asked her to cook them.  Ouch!  Meals have certainly gotten better over the years. 

And yet, whether we are out for a date night or home for dinner (even if the dumplings are as hard as a rock or the steak was burned to a crisp), I (we) realize that it isn’t about the food – it’s about the company!  Especially if, even now, we can still laugh about all our cooking mis-adventures!

There is a lot going on in today’s Gospel reading – Mary anointing Jesus’ feet in anticipation of His crucifixion and death, Judas complaining about money being wasted, the chief priests plotting to kill not only Jesus but Lazarus as well.  But let’s focus on one simple thing – Jesus gathers with Mary, Martha, Lazarus and others for dinner.  In the midst of all the stress and turmoil He experienced in Jerusalem, Jesus takes the time to share a meal with His friends.  Knowing that things will come to an awful climax in just a few days, Jesus reminds us all of the importance of sharing a simple meal with friends and family.

God is still with us.  The Spirit is still within us!  Jesus still touches us with His words and actions.  And Jesus reminds us of the importance of sharing that sacred meal of the Eucharist every single day.  

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