Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
Upon whom I have put my Spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
Not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
Until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Isaiah 42: 1-4

Here are the complete readings for Monday, April 14, 2025.

(“Mary of Bethany” by Joy George William)

I’m guessing I would have sneered at Mary of Bethany just like Jesus’ friends did. What was her motive, and why put on such a show that was so wasteful, especially when Jesus was always talking about taking care of poor people! That is the problem with judgments like this. We don’t often understand peoples’ intentions, much less what comes from their hearts. Clearly, Mary’s heart was very full as she reached out to Jesus that day. Her concern was not to show off wealth or piety. It was about a relationship and connection with someone who loved her, perfume or no perfume. When we are feeling judgmental, perhaps we should flip the script, and question our own motives for feeling this way. What within our hearts is causing this indignation? What about us is unhappy that then draws us into behavior that severs relationships rather than weaving them together? Consider the unlikely “servant” in the words of the prophet Isaiah. This person is not whom he seems. He is gentle and compassionate, yet more powerful than the mightiest warrior. It is this compassion that can bring former foes together to defeat the common enemy of injustice. Like Mary and the servant, may we lead with our hearts to be open to who our loved one, neighbor or adversary could actually be, not as we would have them be.

Listen to your brothers and sisters,
be compassionate with them in their difficulties,
bear with them in their weaknesses,
encourage and support them.
Affirm your brothers and sisters in their gifts,
for by doing so you enable them to realize the gifts that God has given them
for service. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, Your path is not always the path we would have chosen. Thank you for never forcing us onto a path, but giving us signs that we can choose to follow as we are able. You call us to repent and be transformed, but you accept us just as we are. Help us be patient and loving to our companions as you are to us.

Amen