May the Lord’s peace and blessings be upon you all my dear brothers and sisters. Today on Holy Monday, we reflect on two pivotal moments in the narrative of Jesus’ journey towards the cross: the cleansing of the temple (which in fact chronologically occurred on Monday of Holy Week) and the second anointing of Jesus by Mary Magdalene (which happens, according to Scripture, on Wednesday of Holy Week) which we find in today’s readings. Both events—though seemingly distinct—reveal profound truths about Jesus and our calling as his followers and so we shall joyfully reflect on how they come together to offer us a message of hope and renewal.
In our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we are introduced to the figure of God’s chosen servant. This servant, anointed with the Spirit, will bring forth justice, opening the eyes of the blind and freeing prisoners. This description perfectly aligns with the heart of Jesus’ mission. In cleansing the temple, Jesus acts as that servant by reclaiming the sacred space for prayer and worship to God’s honour. He confronts the corruption that is taking place within the holiest site of Judaism, turning over tables and driving out the merchants selling their goods. With righteous anger, Jesus reminds us that the temple is a house of prayer, a place meant for communion with God.
Now, contrast this powerful action with the intimate and tender moment of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfumed oil. Yes, according to the Gospel accounts, Mary anointed Jesus two days before Good Friday. Fully aware of the impending trials Jesus will face, she responds with love and devotion. As she anoints his feet and wipes them with her hair, she demonstrates a radical act of humility, surrendering herself before her Lord, recognizing that He is not only the Messiah but also the foretold servant of God. Mary, in her actions, embodies the essence of worship and recognition of Christ’s true identity.
Here lies a beautiful parallel: the cleansing of the temple simultaneously serves as a powerful metaphor on how Jesus wishes to cleanse each of us—Mary being a model of the disciple in an evolving process of conversion. Each event reveals an invitation for us. Jesus, with his fierce love for God’s house, reminds us that our faith must be lived out with integrity and purity. In our daily lives, we are called to cleanse our own hearts and temples, purging them of distractions, materialism, and any behaviors that draw us away from God.
At the same time, it is as if Mary calls us to a deeper acknowledgment of Jesus in our own lives. Her act of worship prompts us to consider how we honour Christ—is it through our actions, our words, and our very lives? Are we willing to bring our best to Him, even when it requires vulnerability and sacrifice?
As we journey through this sacred week, let us contemplate how we might cleanse our own temples—our hearts, minds, and souls—of anything that separates us from God. Let us also embrace our own acts of worship, allowing us to recognize Jesus' presence in our lives and respond with love, just as Mary did.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit empower us during these holy days to cleanse what needs cleansing and to anoint Jesus with our love and devotion, so that we may share in His mission of justice and healing for all the nations. Let us remember that there is another Mary, who was gifted to us as our Mother. Jesus’ mother who stood by him during this pivotal week for all Mankind, is right by our side now as well, something he desired to share with us in one of his parting gifts to all his disciples. He offered his very life, and he offered his own mother to us. Let us ask her to continually protect and pray for us and our families and the world around us, so desperately in need of the Saviour who alone can bring it lasting peace and restoration.
Amen.
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