who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spreads out the earth with its crops,
Who gives breath to its people
and spirit to those who walk on it….
Saint Francis of Assisi, in tune with the Evangelists, was
enormously impressed by the prophetic writings of Isaiah. Overwhelmed by his
vision of God in the temple, the ancient Prophet saw the wilderness and the city, the
king and his court, the people and their sins in the splendid light of God’s majesty.
Nothing in this world could compare with that beauty; but, everywhere he looked
he saw “the world is charged with the grandeur
of God.”
In that same light, Francis saw the Condescension of God. The Lord of Glory has come down to Earth and
lived in rank poverty among us. The medieval saint never questioned the
hierarchical ranking of human beings, nor did he imagine a democratic society
where everyone would be equal. A king’s condescending kindness to a peasant would be an
amazing demonstration of Christian charity. God’s being born in a stable could
not possibly occur to the medieval mind – unless it actually happened. Francis realized
it had and made it real to others.
Holy Week is bathed in that light. We see the stygian darkness
of Good Friday but the darkness
is not dark to God. Quite the contrary, it is brilliantly lit by the gracious
generosity of Jesus.
In today’s gospel we hear of the woman who anointed Jesus several
days before his death. She had a presentiment of things to come; only Jesus could
fully understand what she was doing. The scent of her ointment overwhelmed the room. It was the smell of
death to those familiar with Jewish funeral rites. The guests were appalled;
and Judas, suffering already with a troubled conscience, uttered the original
hypocritical remark, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and
given to the poor?”
(Since I am not a bible scholar I can suppose that thirty
pieces of silver might equal three hundred days’ wages. Saint John, the master
of irony, surely intended that connection.)
Once again we see the brilliant light of God shining in this
very dark place. A humble, grieving woman with her ominous perfume invades a
festive Passover gathering. The darkness, in the person of Judas, struggles to
overcome her but Jesus will not permit it.
As we approach Maundy Thursday and Good Friday let us keep
our eyes fixed on the Light of the World. 
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.