We do not know who Isaiah's Suffering Servant was. It could have been a person, or symbol for Israel itself. This figure was portrayed as someone of strength, gentleness, compassion, and justice. He would come and set things straight, establishing a society of justice and peace. Early Christians identified him with Jesus, although those who wrote it probably had someone else in mind. It should remind us that regardless of how bad things can become in the world, God has His own plan and will send us men and women to protect, guide, and inspire us. For us, Christ is the Suffering Servant, but we are also called to fill that role for others.

In an act of love and devotion, Mary the sister of Lazarus anointed the feet of Jesus. Judas insincerely and hypocritically objected on behalf of the poor, but he cared nothing for them. He wanted the money for himself. Jesus defended Mary's action of devotion by saying that the poor would always be around to be loved and served by his followers, but his time was short. However, we should never have or give an excuse to ignore the poor, as some have done. Jesus reminded them that while they were on earth, the poor were there to be served - a reminder to us all. We can suffer both with and for the poor, and by this show our devotion to Jesus. We anoint the feet of Jesus by serving the poor, weak, and vulnerable.