“A Passion For The Sake Of The Marginalized!”

“A Passion For The Sake Of The Marginalized!”(Mk.14:1-26).
The “Passion Narratives” begins today. This year we are reading these narratives from the Gospel according to Mark. Mark presents the narratives in chapters 14 & 15.
We are expected to read each given daily passage so as to be reminded of how the Lord Jesus Christ spent his last days.
It is two days to the Passover feast. The chief priests and the teachers of the law are looking “for a sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. They didn’t want to do this during the feast as “the people may riot.”
There is also the anointing of Jesus by a woman who poured a whole jar of an expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This happened when Jesus was in the house of “Simon the Leper.” After the anointing Judas Iscariot went out to betray Jesus. They were happy to hear that and promised to give him money.
The other story is the filling with new content of the Passover meal; transforming it into the “momentary Last Supper” or the Lord’s Supper as it has been retained. This meal became the body and blood of Christ. The blood becoming “the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”
During this meal, Jesus also talked about his betrayal by “one who dips bread in the bowl with me.”
In the midst of all these stories, let us reflect on the ones which seems least among them; yet important to the life of Jesus to show his level of humility.
The woman anointed Jesus while he was reclining at table in the home of “Simon the Leper.”
Simon must have been a well known personality who had leprosy and his sickness became his name. He must have been healed of his leprosy by Jesus; but the tag of “Leper” remained attached to his identity. But this was Jesus dining in his home. Jesus does not discriminate.
The perfume the woman poured on Jesus was very expensive. As a result, she received a barrage of criticisms from bystanders.
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone…She has done a beautiful thing….I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
In a male chauvinistic society and world, Jesus said it as truth that the action of a woman will feature prominently in the story of Christian expansion.
In Jesus there is no distinction of social status or gender!
All marginalised and discriminated upon minorities and nonentities have important places with Christ; just like anyone else. Christ embraces all who believe in him and call on his name.
My dear friend, that situation which by mischance has become your identity is not the conclusion of your story. The Passion of the Lord is because of you too.
Passion prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for considering even the lowly like us during your passion. Amen!
Welcome to the Passion week! Have a reflective passion day and week! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.