Monday of Holy Week

“The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” John 12:3

As we enter into Holy Week, we may be tempted to think that what we have done to observe the Lenten season was “not quite enough.” We may also feel torn between the excitement and joy of the upcoming Easter celebrations and the somberness of the days that lead up to it. Many of us will have to keep working all week, some even up to Saturday night. We have grocery shopping to do, bills that will need to be paid, Easter Sunday plans that will need to be finalized. In all this busyness, is there really any time to pray?

For me, it is tempting to dive into the land of “shoulds” and guilt over not being more or “doing enough” for God. As this Monday begins, like so many Mondays, I am faced with the choice to live all these daily actions and activities with my eyes and ears attuned to God’s promise, or I can choose to narrow my gaze and focus on myself.

This Monday is an invitation to lay my offering at Jesus’ feet as we enter the Passion together. I imagine myself kneeling at the feet of Jesus and repeating the words of the Suscipe that St. Ignatius teaches us.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding and my entire will.
All I have and call my own,
You have given to me; to you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.

I lay these fears, hopes, and concerns at the feet of Jesus. I allow my humble offering
to fill the house, like the sweet fragrance of Mary’s oil.

Are there any ways that I am invited to slow down, listen more, and savor this week
in the midst of my own daily reality?
 
reflected by Jen Coito