At the End of Holy Monday

What was Jesus thinking? "Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." It had been a day of conflict, serious argument, some rejection. A day of questions! Why the donkey? Why the Gala? And who do you think you are anyway? Rumblings amongst his enemies and the Temple Authorities. 

Then comes the meal with Martha, Mary and Lazarus at the end of the day. The woman called Mary did "something beautiful" for him. As he went to sleep the sweet aroma of her self-giving still filled the air, and perhaps Jesus smiled as he drifted off. Getting "home" at the end of the dreadful day made for a memorable evening. This woman had seized the moment and showed him how much she loved him. 

So often when we arrive "home", or visit friends, we take with us, not just the wee gift or the bottle of wine, but also all that has troubled us in the day, maybe even desperate to spread the misery. Often we wait for the arrival of a loved one desperate to pour out our frustrations on them. At the end of the day, however, it is a time to care for each other, it is a time to show "little acts of love". It is a time to "do something beautiful" for the one or the ones we love. For tomorrow it may be too late, and we'll have missed the chance. And for those who live alone, the telephone call can be a superb way of showing someone you care.