John 12:20-36 -Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
Photo by Berlian Khatulistiwa on Unsplash
“…This gift,
this chrism meant for you alone
lifts up its heady scent and fills
this house like prayer, confirming dust
with sanctity and all because
you came into my life on feet
like dusty heartbeats beating bare.”
Quote: taken from ‘Bethany’, a poem by Capuchin Friar David Hirt
John 12: 1–11 Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with “costly perfume”
Help me to be less fearful of the measure of time, and more fully alive in the time that simply is. Help me to live time, not just to simply use it; to breathe it in, and return it in acts of love and presence
Quote: Avis Crowe
Monday of holy week. The energy and excitement of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem could have settled into the routine of a new week.
But no week such as this could have ever seemed routine. There was still so much to share. Surrounded by his closest friends and followers, Jesus explains as much as he can. The urgency in his voice may have felt confusing to those around him. But he knew time was running short. He knew they would learn best through action. Yet the words he spoke would remain with them as support and comfort while they went out to spread the good news.
Let us lean in softly and listen. This world aches for good news. May be the one who share what we have learned. May we share through word and action.
Quote: Mark Nepo
We often think that vulnerability is a kind of weakness,
but there’s a kind of vulnerability that is actually strength and presence.
Holy Week has begun in very different way this year. There were no palms to hold on Palm Sunday, no parades as we sang hosanna.
This year we face a challenge new and risk-filled. A virus! Unlike one we have ever faced before. Our need for protection, our need to be separated from one another put many of us in front of screens in our homes- be they computers or televisions – it was the way we gathered for this first day of Holy Week. The prayers, the readings and music were all familiar. Our spirits stretched to reach a common, sacred place.
It is easy to feel vulnerable. Outside of our doors there is a real sense of threat and much is unknown.
On Palm Sunday we are reminded that vulnerability is not always about weakness. The actions taken by Jesus speak to strength and courage. He entered Jerusalem, knowing it would ultimately cost him his life. He went into that city looking triumphant but he knew he was vulnerable and so he entered strong and present.
Holy week has begun in a very different way this year. Like all the people who waved palms of welcome and hope as Jesus entered Jerusalem, we cannot see the future. We can only breathe in this moment, with prayer and gentle patience
Quote: Ram Dass
Carrie's Bench 
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