Here Is My Chosen One – A Holy Week Reflection on God’s Quiet Victory
As we enter the sacred days of Holy Week, the Church invites us into a deeper contemplation of the mystery of Jesus’ mission and His path to the Cross. The readings for Monday of Holy Week, Year C—from Isaiah 42:1-7, Psalm 27, and John 12:1-11—offer a rich spiritual tapestry of humility, trust, and radical love. These passages are not only timeless—they speak powerfully into the turbulence of our modern world.
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1–7 — “Here is my servant whom I uphold”
The prophetic voice of Isaiah introduces us to the Servant of the Lord—gentle, steadfast, Spirit-filled. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights.” This Servant doesn’t shout or crush the broken but brings justice with compassion. In an era where loudness and power dominate headlines, the Lord’s servant reminds us that true transformation often happens in quiet obedience and faithful endurance.
We live in a world torn by war, exploitation, and injustice. Many cry out, “Where is God?” Yet, in Jesus—the fulfillment of this prophecy—we see God’s response: a Servant who enters our suffering, brings light to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed.
Are we willing to follow that kind of Servant?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation”
Psalm 27 becomes our personal prayer today. When darkness closes in, when fear and doubt press on all sides, we cling to the light of God’s presence. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.”
In our modern anxieties—whether economic, political, or spiritual—this psalm becomes our anchor. The world may be uncertain, but the psalmist reminds us: God is still our refuge.
How often do we pause to seek His face instead of chasing our own plans? Psalm 27 calls us back to the simplicity of trust—one thing we ask, one thing we seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
Gospel: John 12:1–11 — The Anointing at Bethany
The Gospel brings us to Bethany, just six days before Passover. Jesus dines with Lazarus, Martha serves, and Mary does something radical: she breaks open a jar of costly perfume and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The room is filled with fragrance—a sign of her love and deep understanding that something momentous is about to unfold.
Judas scoffs, but Jesus defends her. Mary’s action was not wasteful; it was prophetic worship. In a world that often values utility over beauty, function over reverence, her act stands as a timeless witness of wholehearted devotion.
She gave everything. Are we willing to do the same?
And then there is Lazarus—living proof of Jesus’ power over death. But because of him, the chief priests now want to kill not only Jesus but Lazarus as well. Why? Because his life was a testimony. And today, many believers face similar backlash simply for living the truth of the Gospel.
A Word for Today
These readings invite us to reflect: Who is Jesus to me this Holy Week? Am I like Mary—pouring myself out in love? Or like Judas—critical, calculating, clinging to control? Do I trust God when darkness surrounds me, or do I retreat in fear?
As we move closer to the Cross, Jesus invites us to deeper trust, greater courage, and a love that surrenders all. The world needs Servants like Him—gentle, Spirit-filled, unshaken by trials.
Call to Action:
This Holy Week, find time to be like Mary. Spend time at Jesus’ feet. Offer Him your worship, your tears, your love. Reach out to someone in need of hope. Let your life be a testimony like Lazarus—proof that Jesus still brings new life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
As we begin this sacred week, give us the grace to walk with You.
Make us gentle like You, trusting in the Father’s will.
Help us love like Mary, even when others do not understand.
Let us be lights in this world, proclaiming Your justice and mercy.
When the road is dark, be our light. When our hearts are weary, be our strength.
We offer You our lives—may they glorify You.
Amen.
