Monday of Holy Week
Monday March 30, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of Holy Week
- First Reading – Isaiah 42:1-7: God celebrates His servant, filled with His Spirit, to bring justice globally with gentleness and without fanfare. Appointed as a beacon for nations, he’ll liberate captives and enlighten the blind, fulfilling God’s righteous mission.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is my beacon and protector, eliminating all fear. Enemies may approach, but they will falter. Amidst conflict, my heart remains steadfast in His trust, anticipating His goodness in this life. Courageously, I await the Lord’s timing.
- Gospel – John 12:1-11: In Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus with expensive oil, a gesture criticized by Judas but defended by Jesus as preparation for his burial. The miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection attracted many, leading to a plot against Lazarus too, as his life testified to Jesus’s power, convincing many to believe.
Upcoming dates: March 30, 2026, March 22, 2027, April 10, 2028, March 26, 2029, April 15, 2030, April 7, 2031, March 22, 2032, April 11, 2033
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
John 12:3
Themes for the Readings for Monday of Holy Week
Monday of Holy Week focuses on themes of service, sacrifice, and the light of Christ in the world. The readings reflect God’s chosen servant and the act of love and preparation for what is to come.
- God’s Chosen Servant: The first reading speaks of God’s servant who will bring justice and healing to the nations. This reminds us of Christ’s mission to fulfill God’s plan and care for all people.
- Gentle Strength: God’s servant is described as bringing justice without breaking or crushing others. This shows that true strength is shown through humility and compassion.
- Anointing for Mission: In the Gospel, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, preparing him for his suffering and death. This act of love points to Jesus’ mission and the sacrifice he will make for others.
- Light in Darkness: The first reading speaks of the servant bringing light to those in darkness. Jesus fulfills this by showing the way to God and freeing those trapped by sin and despair.
- Selfless Service: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus shows her deep love and willingness to serve without holding back. This reminds us of the importance of giving generously to others.
- Rejection of Christ: The Gospel reveals the growing opposition to Jesus, as some plot to kill him and even Lazarus. This highlights the cost of following Christ and the resistance his mission faced.
- God’s Justice and Mercy: The first reading describes God’s servant as bringing justice while showing mercy to the weak. This reflects the way Jesus balances justice with love and compassion in his mission.
Monday of Holy Week invites us to reflect on Christ’s mission and the ways we are called to serve others. The readings remind us of God’s care and the light Jesus brings to our lives, even in times of struggle.
Reflection for Monday of Holy Week
Monday of Holy Week focuses on themes of humility, love, and staying faithful in the face of challenges. The readings reveal God’s servant bringing justice with compassion and Mary’s selfless act of love for Jesus. These moments remind us to act with care and generosity, even when it is not easy.
Justice Through Humility and Compassion
The first reading for Monday of Holy Week describes God’s servant as one who brings justice without breaking or crushing others. This servant does not shout or demand, but instead works gently and with care for the weak. It is a reminder that true strength is found in humility and compassion.
Jesus fulfills this role of the servant by showing love and care to all, especially the poor and the outcast. His teachings and actions bring justice by lifting up the lowly and showing mercy to those in need. His way of bringing justice is not through force but through kindness and truth.
Monday of Holy Week calls us to reflect on how we live with humility and compassion. Justice is not just about fairness but about lifting up those who are hurting. Like Jesus, we are called to act with care and love, bringing peace to others.
A Fragrance of Love
In the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. Her act of love is generous and deeply personal, filling the house with the fragrance of the oil. This perfume might have lingered, a reminder to Jesus of her love and devotion, even as he faced the suffering of the cross.
As Jesus carried his cross, could the scent of the perfume have offered him a moment of comfort? Mary’s gift, given without hesitation, was a symbol of her faith in him and her willingness to honor him fully. Her act reminds us of the importance of showing love in meaningful ways, especially to those who are struggling.
Monday of Holy Week invites us to think about how we can offer love and care to others in ways that stay with them. Just as Mary’s anointing was a gift of love, our small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on those around us.
Love in the Face of Opposition
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week show acts of love and justice met with opposition. The servant brings light and hope, yet faces resistance from those who reject the message. In the Gospel, Mary’s act of anointing Jesus is criticized, and the growing hostility toward Jesus is evident.
This reminds us that doing what is right often comes with challenges. Jesus did not turn away from his mission, even when others misunderstood or rejected him. Mary also showed courage, honoring Jesus with her gift, despite the criticism of others.
Monday of Holy Week calls us to stand firm in our faith and continue showing love, even when it is difficult. Like Jesus and Mary, we can trust that our acts of kindness and devotion are part of God’s plan. In the face of opposition, we are called to stay faithful and to keep loving others.
The reflections for Monday of Holy Week encourage us to think about how we live out justice and love in our daily lives. By following the example of Jesus and Mary, we can bring peace and kindness to others. May these reflections inspire us to serve with humility and faith.
Prayer
Lord, you call us to bring justice and love to the world. Teach us to act with compassion and humility in all we do. Help us to follow your example and trust in your care. May our acts of kindness reflect your goodness and bring hope to others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you bring justice to others with compassion and humility?
- What small acts of love can you do for someone in need?
- How does Mary’s generosity inspire you to give more fully?
- When have you faced opposition for doing what is right, and how did you respond?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of Holy Week
A Costly Gift of Love
Mary of Bethany pours expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, a gesture that Judas criticizes as wasteful. But Mary’s act is not about being practical. It is about love and giving everything. Her action shows what Jesus is about to do on the cross. He will give himself completely, holding nothing back.
On Monday of Holy Week, this story is told as a preview of the Passion. Mary’s offering is a symbol of total love, just like Jesus’ sacrifice will be. Her gift is not careful or calculated. It is full of heart. In contrast, Judas represents a cold and narrow view, missing the deeper meaning of love.
Living a Holy Week of Faith Hope and Love
Monday of Holy Week invites us to make this time truly holy. We are asked to reflect on how this week will be different for us. Pope Francis calls us to bring hope where there is darkness. Pope Benedict reminded us that people who have hope live differently. This week is a chance to turn back to God, to receive his mercy in reconciliation, and to live with deeper faith and love.
Msgr. James Vlaun encourages us to enter into the story of Jesus fully. It is a week of faith, hope, and love—a time to return to the Eucharist and to serve others as Jesus did. Whether we are in church or at work, in peace or in struggle, this week belongs to us. Let us live it with open hearts, so the power of the resurrection may transform us from within.
God of the Marginalized
In this reflection for Monday of Holy Week, Sr. Barbara Kane shares the story of Julie, a transgender woman seeking faith and belonging while facing fear and rejection. Sr. Barbara connects Julie’s pain to the image from Scripture of a bruised reed and a dimly burning wick—lives that seem fragile, yet still held in God’s care. God is gentle, faithful, and always working toward justice, especially for those on the margins.
Sr. Barbara reminds us that God is Creator, Partner, Healer, Liberator, and Light. God walks with the wounded and opens eyes to truth and love. We are called to join in that work by offering care, courage, and welcome to all, especially those who feel pushed aside. God’s justice includes Julie and others like her, reminding us that no one is beyond God’s embrace. We must speak, act, and pray until all know they are loved and belong.
The Pharisee Infection
In the gospel for Monday of Holy Week, Judas criticizes Mary for anointing Jesus with costly oil. He claims the oil could have been sold to help the poor, but the reading shows his real motive was not generosity. Judas had been influenced by the spirit of the scribes and Pharisees, those who often criticized Jesus. That same critical spirit began to show in his words and actions, even as a member of Jesus’ inner circle.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how easy it is to fall into this kind of criticism. He challenges us to ask if we have picked up a similar critical spirit in our lives—being negative or judging others without offering help or solutions. Monday of Holy Week invites us to recognize this spirit and ask Jesus to free us from it so we can live more fully and love more deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions for Monday of Holy Week
Why is the servant described as bringing justice in the first reading for Monday of Holy Week?
The servant is chosen by God to establish justice for all people. This shows God’s desire for fairness and care for the oppressed.
What does it mean that the servant will not break or crush others?
The servant is gentle and kind while bringing justice. This teaches us that true strength comes from humility and compassion.
How is Jesus the light for those in darkness in the first reading for Monday of Holy Week?
Jesus brings hope and freedom to those trapped by sin or despair. He shows the way to God and helps people find peace.
What does the first reading for Monday of Holy Week teach about mercy and justice?
The servant brings justice while showing mercy to the weak. This reflects how Jesus’ mission is marked by fairness and compassion.
Why does Mary anoint Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week?
Mary anoints Jesus to honor him and prepare him for his suffering and death. Her act shows her deep love and faith in his mission.
What does the perfume symbolize in the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week?
The perfume represents Mary’s devotion and her willingness to give generously. It also points to the sacrifice Jesus will make for the salvation of others.
Why did some people oppose Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week?
Some people felt threatened by Jesus’ teachings and growing influence. This opposition highlights the cost of his mission and the challenges he faced.
What can we learn from Mary’s actions in the Gospel for Monday of Holy Week?
Mary’s selfless act of anointing Jesus teaches us to give generously and serve others with love. It reminds us to honor Jesus in our own lives.
How can the readings for Monday of Holy Week help us in our daily lives?
The readings remind us to serve others with love, trust God’s care, and follow Jesus as the light in our lives. They encourage us to act with humility and generosity.
What is the main message of Monday of Holy Week?
Monday of Holy Week focuses on Jesus’ mission to bring justice, light, and salvation. The readings call us to reflect on how we serve others and trust in God’s plan.
Reflecting on Service and Sacrifice
Monday of Holy Week reminds us of Christ’s mission and the call to serve with love and humility. The first reading describes God’s servant, chosen to bring justice and healing to the world. This servant acts with gentleness, lifting up the weak and guiding those in darkness. It reflects the way Jesus fulfills God’s promises through his actions and teachings.
In the Gospel, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, an act of love and honor. This anointing points to Jesus’ upcoming suffering and sacrifice. Her selfless act shows the importance of giving generously and serving others with devotion. At the same time, the Gospel reveals the growing opposition to Jesus, reminding us of the challenges he faced in completing his mission.
Monday of Holy Week invites us to reflect on Jesus as the servant who brings justice and light. Through the example of Mary, we learn to give of ourselves and trust in God’s plan. These readings call us to follow Jesus’ example of service and love in our daily lives.
Your Turn
Monday of Holy Week encourages us to reflect on Christ’s mission and how we respond to it. How do you bring justice and kindness into your relationships? How do you honor Jesus through service and love? Consider the example of Mary and her act of generosity.
Share your thoughts in the comments, and encourage others to reflect on how they live out their faith.
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