Taking a legal position this week.

It is called Great or Holy because, during it, the greatest events took place, through which Jesus Christ carried out the work of the salvation of humanity. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the First Song of the Servant of the Lord is heard. In four such songs, the prophet, from a distance of six centuries, describes in almost detail the action, suffering, death, and victory of the Lord’s Servant. It is like a photograph of Jesus Christ, which receives its complete form and full color, especially this week, day by day and hour.

This first song discusses the mission of this Servant of God. He works under the guidance of God’s Spirit. In a few lines, Jesus’s entire public activity is outlined, characterized by his silence, love for sinners, and freeing people from suffering, especially by performing miraculous healings. The climax of his deeds was the resurrection of Lazarus, whom he brought out of the dark dungeon of death and the grave.

The Gospel follows This event, which records what happened on this exact day, “six days before Easter.” Jesus is in Lazarus’ house. He is surrounded by Lazarus and his sisters’ respect, joy, and gratitude. One of them, Mary, shows magnanimous respect for Jesus: she poured about three hundred and twenty grams (that was the weight of a pound at the time) of precious oil on his feet and anointed them. However, other attitudes toward Jesus are also emerging. The first is immediately from the close circle of his apostles: Judas, who was in charge of the small community’s economy, looks at this action seemingly purely professionally and matter-of-factly. He immediately estimated the price of the spilled oil at three hundred denarii (approximately the annual income of a worker), which could be used more effectively. Judas’ real motive differed from that of the evangelist John, who revealed that he was interested in his enrichment. For this purpose, he was willing to misuse gifts for people with low incomes; this purpose blinded his eyes so that he was unable to see and understand the generous gratitude and love that does not look at material values ​​- and soon after, he was willing to betray his Master for the same purpose.

Another ominous cloud on the horizon at the beginning of the week was the decision of the high priests, who were ready for another murder (they had already pronounced the Nortel over Jesus before) – they wanted to radically eliminate the “crown witness” of Jesus’ divinity, Lazarus. In this week’s events, Jesus becomes the Light that old Simeon spoke of at his sacrifice; at the same time, it also becomes a sign of contradiction and resistance. People around him have to take an attitude towards him. When thinking about these events, none of us can remain in the position of a non-participating spectator, but we must identify with some character. If it is a negative character, we must ask Jesus Christ to help us with inner healing and the right attitude towards him.

Practical instruction: I am willing to show selfless and generous love for Jesus Christ (by the time I devote to meeting him in prayer or at a church service, by serving his work, by making a material donation to beautify the temple or to help the poor); or do I evaluate everything only in terms of economic profit? By what act do I show the right attitude?

Prayer: Almighty God, because we are weak and often fall, we ask you to strengthen us by the passion of your beloved Son, who is God and lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit for all ages.