Monday of Holy Week March 21, 2005 Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 Reflection: In the eighth century before Christ, salvation history appears in the inspired words of the greatest Old Testament prophets. The liturgy readings today include Isaiah, the messianic messenger, whose long poetic prologue to the New Testament finds fulfillment in the lifetime of Jesus Christ. Possessed by an overwhelming hope for a Savior, Isaiah envisions a just, compassionate servant, one Most High... who spread forth the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk on it.... In John 12, this prophecy is blessed in Bethany, “where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead” giving him breath and spirit again. The prophecies of Isaiah were a sustaining hope for Israelites. Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were also graced with an unwavering hope and faith in Jesus, the Nazarean. This week we reverence the retelling of the Old Testament servant story. The mystery of Redemption unfolds when love, God in thelikeness of His Son, embraces the cross in the Passion of Our LordJesus Christ. Suggested Action: From the Liturgy of the Hours taken from Monday of Holy Week, pray the following intercession: “Jesus, you came as a gentle savior, not breaking the bruised reed, not quenching the smoldering wick. We pray to you, show us your mercy, O Christ.” Sr. Eleanor Desaulniers, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania