Is 42:1-7 Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 Jn 12:1-11

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Immediately upon reading today’s scripture, I think of a dear friend of mine. He is there with me in Isaiah’s words, he is there with me in the prayer for God’s protection, and he is here with me at Jesus’ table. Through his kind words, thoughtfulness, and presence, he has guided me closer to the Lord and has given me strength in ways the Lord would want him to. The presence he embodies is something I have thought a lot about lately. Am I ever fully present to myself, to my responsibilities, to others, and most importantly to God?

Isaiah, I feel, gives the perfect description of what a servant is. Someone who is “not crying out” but that the Lord has taken by hand and is walking with Him in His struggle for peace and love. Great examples of freeing the imprisoned, letting the blind see, and bringing light to those in darkness are inspiring but how many of us truly go visit the imprisoned, have the capabilities to make the blind see, and are able to bring light to our darkness let alone that of others? It is not until I read today’s Gospel that I am better able to fully understand what it is to be a servant. Jesus’ interactions with Mary and Martha always humor me because these women serve Him in the greatest of ways yet are always questioned if they are doing enough. I think what attracted me most to this story is when Jesus tells Mary to save the oil for His burial and that she did something worthy despite Judas’ remarks. She served Him, which is the ultimate goal of service to others, but she did so directly by being present with Him at that moment.

Jesus was very accurate (go figure) in saying that we will always have the poor to serve but we will not always have Him. This is something my friend has embodied and furthermore, taught me about. There will always be developing countries, there will always be lines at the local soup kitchen, and there will always be victims of a recent disaster but there will not always be each other. I think this presence is hard to grasp because it is not our general idea of “service”, but rather it is something that is seen as selfish to take time on a regular basis to be present with ourselves and our loved ones. Recently, I have learned this is the greatest type of service, to be there for a loved one in need not only during the tragedies but also during the day-to-day struggles of “life in the fast lane” with a listening ear or a night out to enjoy ourselves.

So as I continue my reflection on today’s readings, I am even more thankful for my friend. With his graduation and departure quickly approaching, I am inspired (and grateful for the opportunity) to have these last few weeks to be present with him. His example is one I will try to emulate, especially during Holy Week as I try to be present with God in the Garden, on Mount Calvary, and in the Resurrection.