Today's Readings are abundant with hints of the Passion. In the gospel reading please note the presence of God's people. While they do not recognize what is happening, these people are with Jesus as his life and the active ministry is ending. Their new life, their new ministry, is about to begin.

Martha, serving the meal. Lazarus is present, too. Mary is there with the oil she uses to anoint his feet. The enemies are not missed: Judas and the chief priests "plotting to kill Lazarus too." One priest writing a reflection on the reading commented "But at the center is a celebration very much like a rehearsal for the Last Supper." The formation of the Church is occurring here.

Were you there? We sing that on Friday. Today the question could be, "Are you there with him today?"