With just a few days to go to the celebration of Jesus' Death and Resurrection today's readings focus clearly upon Jesus.

Our first reading is the first of the four "Servant Songs" in Isaiah. The servant was variously identified as different individual leaders or even as groups of people, but the New Testament and Christian tradition have always identified the Servant with Our Lord Jesus Christ. The servant-leader is merciful. He brings freedom and fulfilment to those in need. Though powerful, he speaks and acts gently. In his quiet way he gets things done.

This is the one whose feet Mary washed in preparation for his burial. There was a difference of opinion at that time among the Rabbis as to which of the acts of mercy was greater - almsgiving or burying the dead.

Jesus was probably not particulary interested in such discussions, but his remark "you always have the poor with you" suggests that the most reliable guarantee that the poor will be well served is a deep love and reverence for Him.

A love of Christ will ensure that the sinful person I am will be constrained to respond to the needs of the poor. My service will be founded on a grace filled belief which will enable me to see the full dignity of the person I am serving. I will not be responding to a spur of the moment surge of generosity, fine and all as that is. I will be gradually building into my life a principle of loving action that will become a part of me.