"You do not always have me,"

Holy Week for Monday

Readings
John 12:1-11
Isaiah 42:1-9
Hebrews 9:11-15


Reflection

"You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (John 12:8) Jesus clearly meant these words to praise Mary, the sister of Lazarus, for taking action to worship Jesus while she could. In no way did he mean to demean the urgency of caring for the poor; indeed, the lion's share of Jesus' ministry took place among the poor and outcast.

"You do not always have me," Jesus said. Mary knew this. She didn't put off for tomorrow or next week anointing Jesus' feet, a loving action in a day when people spent most of their time on their feet. She did what she could, when she could.

As I was looking through the Word for something that might help us look forward to Easter. Not about a bunny and eggs!! But about Christ. Those around Him and those who were following Him had no idea that He would be dying; even though He spoke about His up coming death to them.

You and I tend to act as if we will live forever and will therefore have unlimited time with those we love and unlimited opportunities to do what is most important.

On contrary most people die without warning. Every day someone is dying without knowing the love of Christ.

I am sure you are like me, and have lost a love one that we were close to. In His last days, Jesus saying, "You do not always have me," I think we should remember those words, "You do not always have me"! Think about this when you see a loved one, or maybe someone who is lost.

How can you today find a way to express your love and service to Jesus knowing you were dying?

Here is something I heard a long time ago...ponder this today, and see if you change, maybe you will have a new urgency to reach the lost?

"In the morning you put on your own shoes, however at night the undertaker could be taking your shoes off"


Prayer:

O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant His cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.