Saint Dismas
Monday of Holy Week
Purple
Dismas is the Good Thief crucified with Christ on Calvary.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 34: 1-2; 139: 8
Contend, O Lord, with my contenders; fight those who fight me. Take up your buckler and shield; arise in my defence, Lord, my mighty help.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail, we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law. Thus says God, the Lord, he who created the heavens and spread them out, who gave shape to the earth and what comes from it, who gave breath to its people and life to the creatures that move in it: ‘I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, ‘to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 26:1-3,13-14
R/ The Lord is my light and my help.
The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?
When evil-doers draw near to devour my flesh, it is they, my enemies and foes, who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart would not fear. Though war break out against me, even then would I trust.
I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!
Gospel Acclamation
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! Hail to you, our King! You alone have had compassion on our sins. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel : John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there; Martha waited on them and Lazarus was among those at table. Mary brought in a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair; the house was full of the scent of the ointment. Then Judas Iscariot – one of his disciples, the man who was to betray him – said, ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions. So Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone; she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial. You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me.’ Meanwhile a large number of Jews heard that he was there and came not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. Then the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look graciously, O Lord, upon the sacred mysteries we celebrate here, and may what you have mercifully provided to cancel the judgement we incurred, bear for us fruit in eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 101: 3
Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear towards me; on the day when I call, speedily answer me.
Prayer after Communion
Visit your people, O Lord, we pray, and with ever-watchful love, look upon the hearts dedicated to you by means of these sacred mysteries, so that under your protection, we may keep safe this remedy of eternal salvation, which by your mercy we have received. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May your protection, O Lord, we pray, defend the humble and keep ever safe those who trust in your mercy, that they may celebrate the paschal festivities not only with bodily observance but above all with purity of mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The woman brought the most expensive gift she could have to anoint the feet of Jesus. This was a true sign of repentance for her. Jesus reveals God’s immense love for humankind through simple gestures. He shows tenderness towards the little ones, the strangers and even the sinners whom he came to save. By accepting the woman’s gift, Jesus shows that God loves sinners beyond every limit. Mary’s gesture foreshadows the anointing of Jesus’ body in the tomb. Just as the scent spreads throughout the house, the women on the day of the resurrection will discover that his body cannot be confined in a tomb. The scent of the good news will spread to all generations.