April 14. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK.  Jesus and friendship. Scripture:  Read John 12:1-11 that describes Jesus’ meal at the house of Lazarus, his sisters Martha and Mary and the apostles. 

Reflection, discussion and sharing.   The family retreat director introduced the reflection.   There is a modern day rock opera called Jesus Christ Superstar that focuses on Judas and Mary Magdalene and their relationship as friends of Jesus. It is criticised by some people because Judas is almost excused for betraying Jesus because he felt let down when Jesus does not turn out to be the kind of Messiah he was hoping for. In this show and some popular books nowadays the nature of the friendship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene is discussed. This gospel account of Mary pouring ointment over Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair and the words of the very meaningful song she sings in the musical “I don’t know how to love him” do speak to us too about our relationship with Jesus. Is he a remote spiritualised figure, a friend, a brother, a beloved,  comforter and guide in times of need?  That is from our human side. What do we know of Jesus as a friend from the scriptures?  What did he mean when he said, “I do not call you servants any more, I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learned from my Father?”   Exploring qualities of friendship, e.g. loyalty, acceptance, intimacy, forgiveness, faithfulness, honesty, joy and more illustrate the unconditional love he showed even to Peter who denied him.

Discussion, sharing, action. Focusing then on friendship is Jesus a true friend to each of us?  Are our family members also our friends or are our friends closer or more important than our family?  What qualities do we show in our friendships?   Are we open to being more than colleagues or just providing a service to others?  If possible as a family share some qualities of friendship you have noticed.  Thank Jesus for his loving friendship and for his invitation to love as deeply as he loves.    If possible check out the musical Jesus Christ Superstar and Mary Magdalene’s song  “I don’t know how to love him.”

Pope Francis: The sacrament of Reconciliation is not only a magnificent spiritual gift, but also a decisive, essential and fundamental step on our journey of faith. There, we allow the Lord to erase our sins, to heal our hearts, to raise us up, to embrace us and to reveal to us his tender and compassionate countenance. There is no better way to know God than to let him reconcile us to himself (cf. 2 Cor 5:20) and savour his forgiveness. Let us not neglect Confession, but rediscover the beauty of this sacrament of healing and joy, the beauty of God’s forgiveness of our sins!    SNC 23