Over the past 5 weeks we have mainly
thought about the Old Testament readings for the week. This week we make up a
little for that, with 2 gospel readings and a reading from Philippians. Each reading will be followed by a reflection and
hymn.
Reading: John
12:1-8
Reflection
Mary doesn’t speak about her love
for Jesus
Mary doesn’t stay in the background
Mary shows her love
During Lent we think about giving
something up,
often it is seen as a sombre time,
a time for grey rather than colour;
a time to simplify our living
Yet, here we have this story of extravagance,
of generosity.
Extravagance, not for herself, but
for Jesus.
This is a family that is close to
Jesus, we have heard about them in the raising of Lazarus, and the argument between
Mary and Martha. In this section of John’s gospel we again see Mary at the feet
of Jesus. Pouring perfume over his feet, wiping them with her hair. It sounds
very sensual. Judas points out the cost.
When Jesus responds to Judas concern
for the poor, he is
quoting from Deuteronomy 15. “Since there will never cease to be some in need
on the earth, I therefore command you: Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land.”
This is not to say ignore the poor,
but live generously.
In what ways do you live, and give, generously?
Prayer based on John 12
http://stillpoint.unitingchurchsa.org.au/files/2012/04/Lent-and-Easter-liturgies-Year-C-2010.pdf
Hymn/song : TIS 439 What shall we offer our good Lord
Offering
Luke 19:28-40
Reflection
Some comments:
In Luke, there are no palms, only cloaks on
the ground.
In Luke, it is the disciples
not the crowds who shout in praise.
At his birth the angels sang:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
Here, the disciples call
out :
"Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!"
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!"
At his birth, and as
Jesus nears death, his is a reign of peace. Peace on earth and peace in heaven.
Can you imagine going to a parade to
welcome not a winning sports team, not a political parade, but the one who
brings peace without a sword?
Peace was a big issue for the
community, then as now. The Romans and
Jewish leaders had their own version of peace, that is keep everyone so constrained
that nothing destabilises the empire.
That is not the kind of peace that
Jesus lived, or that Jesus offers us.
Jesus does not rule us with terror
and threats, Jesus offers life, and love and hope. Jesus is riding a humble
animal into Jerusalem at the beginning of the festival season. A time when
there is also a parade to ‘welcome’ the armed reinforcements to keep ‘the peace’.
It has been said that peace is not
the absence of conflict.
How would you describe peace?
Peace
in Heaven – the triumphal entry
— written by
Lynette Wiebe, 2004. Posted on the Mennonite Church Canada
Resource Centre website.
Hymn/song : Lord,
What a Parade!
Prayers of the people and The
Lord’s Prayer
“Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,”
In the first reading today we hear
of a Jesus who accepted the offering of Mary, who defended her right to show extravagant
love.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,”
In the second reading we hear of a
humble man, a man of peace, bringing in a peaceable kingdom.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,”
In the letter to the Philippians we
hear of a king who took the form of humanity.
We hear of a person who is humble
and obedient.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,”
Lent is a time when we prepare to
hear again the passion story. A love story. A story of betrayal. A story of courage and devotion. A story of fear
and rejection.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,”
What needs to change in your life?
Hymn/song TiS 609 May the mind of Christ my Saviour
