Holy Monday: Which One Are You?

Isaiah 42:1-2:

“Take a good look at my servant! I love him dearly, for he is my chosen one. I have taken hold of him in my strength, and I have clothed him with my Spirit. He will cause justice to spring up for the nations. He will be gentle and will not quarrel with others in public. He will not exalt his own voice. He would never crush a broken heart nor disregard the weak and vulnerable. He will make sure justice comes to those who are wronged. His inner being will not become faint or discouraged, nor will his light grow dim before he establishes justice on the earth. Even the distant lands beyond the seas will hunger for his instruction.” 

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have physically set under the voice of Christ as he taught so long ago? I’ve always found it fascinating that two people could be in the same room and have completely different experiences. I see this every week in the churches where we gather, and I am reminded this morning that there are two names, for many the call themselves Christ followers – that immediately evoke a sense of emotion when they are called. Typically, one names fills us with inspiration and comfort; the other with uneasiness and possible anger. Both names produce a powerful effect by way of contrast. Both names were people close to Jesus. Those names are Mary and Judas.

If unfamiliar with this particular story. Jesus is at dinner. Mary approaches, anoints the feet of her Savior for His burial and dries them with her hair. Judas resents her action and sinks deeper into his frustration – and evil course. These two persons typify man's relation to Christ. Christ gives His Body to two types of individuals: to Magdalene’s to be anointed, to Judases to be kissed; to good persons who repay Him with love and service, to foes who crucify Him. 

The Biblical account may be understood in a very personal way. In everyone's heart, in my own too, there dwell two souls: a Judas-soul and a Mary-soul. One spirit pours their all at his feet – and one spirit asks, what are they doing?

During this week – may his resurrection bring victory over the Judas-soul and strengthen the Magdalen-soul within each of us. May we feel His grace, love, and welcome as we go deeper into his goodness in the days to come. 

Happy Holy Monday – let the sleeping arise, God is doing a great thing.