These are the final days of preparation for the Easter celebrations. We entered the Holy Week yesterday with Palm Sunday, and we are expecting more in the days ahead. Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’ visit to Bethany, to the home of Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. What stands out for me in that reading (John 12:1–11) is that the chief priests also plotted to kill Lazarus because many were coming to believe in Jesus on account of him.
Thinking about it, it makes one wonder why not everyone rejoices with us when something good happens in our lives. This unfortunate human dynamic has existed for as long as humanity itself. The question before us today is whether we are among those who genuinely rejoice in the progress of others or those who become obstacles to their success. That question becomes our food for thought on this Monday.
