ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
Daily Reading Monday March 30th 2026 Bishop Robert Barron Cycle A Lent Holy Week
DAILY REFLECTIONS – MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK
March 30, 2026
FIRST READING
Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
PSALM
Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
GOSPEL READING
John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
REFLECTION
Anointing for Burial: The Anticipation of Resurrection
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus for his death and burial. By this act, she anticipates the visit of three women to the tomb of Jesus. Early on the morning of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome will bring spices to anoint the body of Jesus.
They will look in and see a young man—and be frightened out of their wits. Can you imagine? You walk into a tomb, fully expecting to see a dead body, and you see instead someone alive and well—someone different than the man who was buried there! But that will not be the end of their surprise. The man will announce that the Jesus whom they seek is not there, that he has been raised up and will go ahead of them into Galilee.
From this grave of Jesus we will learn that everything we took to be the case is not the case. God is the enemy of death, and he has shown us his power over death in the most unambiguous way. Our lives no longer need to be dominated by the fear of death, and we see the proof of this in the most vivid way imaginable.
Keep all of that in mind as we read this beautiful story of Mary of Bethany anointing the feet of Jesus.
COMMENTARY
The Context of Holy Week
This Monday of Holy Week draws us into the intimate setting of Bethany, just six days before the Passover. Jesus is in the home of Lazarus, the man he raised from the dead. The shadow of the cross is already looming, yet in this moment, there is love, worship, and tender devotion.
The Extravagant Love of Mary
Mary’s act is one of extraordinary love. The perfume she uses—pure nard—was worth three hundred denarii, roughly a year’s wages for a laborer. This was not a casual gesture; it was a sacrifice. She pours it on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair—an act of profound humility and devotion.
Her love is extravagant because her gratitude is deep. She has witnessed her brother raised from the dead. She knows who Jesus is. Her worship is not measured; it is poured out without reserve.
The Contrast of Judas
Judas objects, not out of concern for the poor, but out of greed. He hides his selfishness behind a mask of righteousness. The Gospel notes that he was a thief who stole from the common purse. His heart was far from Jesus, even as he remained close to him physically.
This contrast between Mary and Judas is a recurring theme in the Passion narrative. One gives everything; the other betrays for thirty pieces of silver. One worships; the other calculates.
The Meaning of the Anointing
Jesus interprets Mary’s act as preparation for his burial. She anoints him now, before his death, because after his death there will be no opportunity. The women who come to the tomb on Easter morning will find it empty. The anointing for burial is given in advance, an act of prophetic love.
The Power of the Resurrection
The reflection points us toward Easter morning, when the women enter the tomb expecting to find a dead body and instead encounter a living messenger. Everything they thought they knew was overturned. Death is not the end. The grave cannot hold the Lord of life.
This is the foundation of Christian hope. If Christ is risen, then death no longer has dominion. Our lives are not defined by fear of the end but by the promise of new life.
The Fate of Lazarus
The Gospel ends with a chilling note: the chief priests plan to kill Lazarus as well, because his living testimony is drawing people to Jesus. The one raised from the dead becomes a target. The resurrection life provokes opposition. This foreshadows the cost of following Christ.
PRAYER FOR HOLY WEEK
Lord Jesus, as we enter this sacred week, open our hearts to receive the depth of Your love. Teach us to worship like Mary—with abandon, without calculation, pouring out our best for You. Protect us from the spirit of Judas, who draws near to You with lips but not with heart.
As we walk with You toward the cross, give us courage to face the shadows. Let us not be dominated by fear of death, for You have conquered death and opened the way to eternal life.
May the fragrance of Your love fill our homes and our hearts this Holy Week. Amen.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How do I worship Jesus? Is my worship measured and cautious, or extravagant and poured out like Mary’s perfume?
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Where do I resemble Judas? Are there areas where I rationalize my selfishness with religious language?
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How does the reality of the resurrection shape my life? Do I live in fear of death, or in the confidence of new life?
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What am I preparing to give to Jesus this Holy Week? What act of devotion can I offer that costs me something?
SCRIPTURES FOR THE DAY
| Reading | Reference |
|---|---|
| First Reading | Isaiah 42:1-7 |
| Psalm | Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 |
| Gospel | John 12:1-11 |
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