It is beautiful that we have the opportunity to remember, actualize, and relive the most important moments of our salvation history every year. Today, we have the Holy Monday prayer. To sacrifice yourself and all your life to Jesus is never a waste.
Bible Verse for Today
“You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:8)
What is the tradition of foot washing in Israel?
If you are familiar with the Bible, you know Israel’s geography and living conditions during that period. At these times, there were no asphalt roads. Instead, people walked barefoot or with sandals on dusty and rocky paths. So, if you have guests in your house, you should provide them with a water bowl to wash their feet after the journey. Only after washing their feet could the guests enter the house.
So when Jesus came to Lazarus and his sisters’ house, He was given a bowl of water to wash His feet and stay for dinner.
Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet with Perfume
But in the Gospel of John, we see Mary’s shocking behavior. She takes expensive perfume and washes Jesus’ feet, which are already clean. People are surprised because perfume is expensive and imported from Egypt. Mary’s behavior seems to them as a waste of money, for which many poor could get food or be cured.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
But this history has another and much more critical side. Mary’s action had some other reason.
This Is a Sign of Gratitude to the Lord
First, six days before Jesus raised Mary’s brother Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus was alive and sat with Jesus at the same table. So, Mary’s action was a sign of gratitude. She could not express her gratitude in any other way, so she chose such an expensive way.
Also, Mary hears gossip that some chief priests will kill Jesus. She feels that she can lose her teacher and savior. So Mary anoints Jesus’ feet not with expensive perfume but with her honor, gratitude, and love. We can say that Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with her heart.
So, on Holy Monday, I have a question for you: What is your position? How much gratitude and love are in your relationship with Jesus?
Holy Monday Prayer
Thank you, God, for the inspiring love examples you gave me. They helped me see that we need small love gestures in everyday relationships. Thank you, Lord, for other people in my life: family, friends, community, and society. Teach us and give us strength to pass your love on to others. Lord, bless us with Your love. Amen.
Also read: PALM SUNDAY PRAYER
