Monday of Holy Week April 5, 2004 Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 Reflection: Isaiah gently reminds us of our obligation to bring forth justice on the earth and to teach it. This can be a very difficult challenge because it requires speaking and acting out for what’s right; being a hell-raiser that challenges the status quo; doing our part to change unjust structures. The Evangelist brings us into the scene where Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and then dries them with her hair. Recall when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Was this not the teacher, as well as Mary, demonstrating to us the role of the suffering servant? Some say that it was when he washed their feet that he founded the Church. Sandra Schneiders, IHM, believes that John deliberately presents Mary here as a disciple of Jesus which is a role forbidden to Jewish women in the time of Jesus. Could there be a connection here? To bring justice is what we are asked to do. Let us pray for the courage to accept that we are vulnerable beings and for the grace to be free from the fear of exposing this side of ourselves. Suggested Action: As a disciple of Jesus try to act on the opportunity to wash another’s feet through compassion, understanding and unconditional love. Sr. Regina Burns, IHM Wilmington, Delaware