Kneeling At The Feet of Jesus
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. - John 12:3
During mass, right before we go up to receive Communion, we say the words: “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and I shall be healed”. I have always found those words impactful, especially before going up to receive Communion. When I am kneeling and saying these words, the image of a woman kneeling at Jesus’ feet, anointing them, has always come to mind. This image is how I feel when I say those words before receiving Jesus into my heart. I feel like I am this unworthy sinner and yet, Jesus loves me so much that he is still willing to enter under my roof and show me love.
In today's Gospel, Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with costly oil inside her home. Jesus had entered under her “roof”, and she anointed his feet to show him homage and was even ridiculed for it. Yet there Jesus was, saying that it is okay and to leave her alone. At this point in the Gospel, Jesus is nearing the end of his life to go die on the cross for us. Before receiving Communion I am always reminded that Jesus died on the cross for us. So when I kneel and say I am not worthy, Jesus reminds me that he is still going to enter under my roof at Communion and that he died on the cross for me to heal me.
During this lenten season, let us kneel at the feet of Jesus so he can enter under our roof to show us love and healing.
Lord, during this lenten season please enter under our roof to help heal us, love us, and prepare our hearts and minds for your death on the cross and your rising for our sins.
Kaleila Berglund