Monday of Holy Week

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany,

where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served,

while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 

Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil

made from genuine aromatic nard

and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair;

the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples,

and the one who would betray him, said,

“Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages

and given to the poor?”

He said this not because he cared about the poor

but because he was a thief and held the money bag

and used to steal the contributions.

So Jesus said, “Leave her alone.

Let her keep this for the day of my burial.

You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came,

not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus,

whom he had raised from the dead.

And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,

because many of the Jews were turning away

and believing in Jesus because of him.

~John 12: 1-11

First Sunday of Advent

Advent Rosary available at www.therosarylady.com
 

 

 

Advent is upon us.  It is the season of waiting for the birth of our Lord Jesus.  A time of repentance, a time of hope and a time of joy and celebration. 

 

Advent in my home has changed a lot since my children have grown older.  We no longer place as much importance on the Advent candles and wreath.  I find that very disappointing, and somewhat sorrowful. 

 

This year I assume I will pretty much keep Advent within my heart. 

 

Nevertheless, it can be a time of great joy for you and yours.  Hold fast to the teachings and traditions, and set them forth in your childrens' memories.  They can one day follow suit and share the wonders of the Season with their children too. 

 

Week One:  We wait in solemn anticipation, knowing our Lord is out there, somewhere.  Travelling upon a dusty rocky trail, safe within His Mother's Womb.  They must go and  be counted.  HE is all that counts in the end.  We must remember His journey. 

 

Our Blessed Mother must be tired and aching and wishing for an end to this trek.  Father Joseph must be feeling a certain heartache that he should have to put his beloved through such torment at this time of her pregancy.  But they are devout, they know what must be done.  And they do it without complaint, and without remorse. 

 

I wish I could do so also.

 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you.  Save Souls. 

 

Save all the souls who are lost and abandoned and frightened during this time.  Help them to understand that you are there for them.  Show them the way... of waiting patiently... and watching... for that bright Star that will lead them to the Savior. 

 

Peace be with you!

 

~ Shannon ~