Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday in the Holy Week, April 14, 2025

Delivered by Eliana from the Parish of Saint James in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Isaiah 42: 1-7; Rs psalm 27: 1.2.3.13-14; John 12: 1-11UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Our meditation today is entitled: Unconditional Love.What does it mean to have unconditional love? When Jesus was dining with Hisclose friends, Mary, who is known as a dear friend to Jesus according to theGospel of John, did something that only love can do. She took the most precioustreasure she had and used it only for Jesus Christ, the true Master.  Her attention did not compromise calculations. Herlove was unbounded. Her actions were based on her love and gratitude to Jesuswho had bestowed unconditional love on her and her family. God mercifullyforgave her, restoring her from humiliation as a sinner.  She performed an act of love that a Jewish womanshould not do in public. She uncovered her long unraveled hair. She drenchedJesus’ feet with her tears. According to customary rules, a woman on herwedding day must tie and cover her hair. Meanwhile, for those who are married, showingunraveled hair in public is a very impolite sign.  Mary's actions certainly irritated everyone aroundher, except Jesus. But she didn't care about the reaction of those people. Shejust wanted to express her genuine love for the Lord. In her humility she boweddown to anoint Jesus' feet and wiped them with her long hair. Mary's actionsgive us a message, namely when and how many times have we shown our deepestgratitude and love to God? Because of the precious perfume, the whole householdwas full of fragrance (Jn 12:3). Fragrance and beauty fill the entire houseboth physically and spiritually. Only unconditional love can do this. This isenough to describe that a human person like Mary can do the same love to theLord Jesus Christ. We can do the same as Mary did. Jesus Christ always gives us an example of sharing theunconditional love. In this holy week we remember all His acts of love. Todaywe are given the image of Jesus, the servant of God, who is willing to sufferlike “a bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall notquench”. The Lord will not fail and become a useless power. He will stillenforce the law on this earth. His love endures forever on this earth. Jesuswill not disappear or stop with His suffering and death. He goes through all ofthis and lives on in us His followers. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord JesusChrist, teach and strengthen us to always be able to endure when difficultiesand sufferings confront us, even threaten our lives. Our Father who art inheaven... In the name of the Father ...