John 12:1-11
Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 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; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” [The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
Grace Prayed For
A heart of extravagant love for Jesus: Pray for the grace to love Jesus with the same abandon and devotion that Mary displayed. Ask for a heart that overflows with gratitude and worship, leading to acts of selfless love and service.
Reflecting on Extravagant Love and Sacrifice
Inspiration: In today’s Gospel reading, we sense the anticipation and tension surrounding the approachThis passage from John’s Gospel presents a poignant scene filled with layers of meaning and emotion. Mary’s lavish act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume speaks volumes about her love and devotion. It’s a gesture of extravagance, a complete outpouring of her heart in worship and gratitude.
The Fragrance of Love
The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil – a beautiful symbol of the overwhelming presence of love. Mary’s act wasn’t just about the physical anointing; it was an act of surrender, an offering of her very self. In this moment, Mary recognized the sacredness of Jesus’ presence and the impending sacrifice He was about to make. Her love overflowed, creating an atmosphere of worship and devotion.
Misplaced Priorities
Judas’ reaction highlights a stark contrast. His concern about the cost of the oil reveals a heart focused on material things, not the spiritual reality unfolding before him. He saw waste where Mary saw an opportunity for profound worship. Judas’ misplaced priorities foreshadowed his betrayal, a tragic consequence of valuing earthly gain over the priceless gift of Jesus’ presence.
Jesus’ Gentle Rebuke
Jesus’ response is both tender and firm. He defends Mary’s act, recognizing its significance in light of His approaching death. His words, “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me,” remind us that while caring for the poor is important, nothing can replace our devotion to Him. Our relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which all other acts of service and compassion are built.
Lazarus: A Living Testimony
The presence of Lazarus adds another layer to this narrative. He’s a living testament to Jesus’ power over death, a visible sign of God’s love and grace. The crowd’s desire to see Lazarus highlights the impact of his resurrection. It drew people to Jesus, prompting them to believe in Him. Yet, tragically, the chief priests saw Lazarus as a threat and plotted to kill him. This reveals the darkness of their hearts and their resistance to the light of truth.
Inspiration for Today
This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and priorities. Do we, like Mary, offer our best to Jesus in extravagant acts of love and worship? Or do we, like Judas, get caught up in worldly concerns and miss the sacred moments unfolding before us? Let us be inspired by Mary’s example, pouring out our love and devotion to Jesus without reservation. Let the fragrance of our worship fill our lives and draw others to the light of His presence.
May we always remember that Jesus is the ultimate treasure, and our relationship with Him is the most valuable possession we can ever have. In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, may we choose to prioritize our devotion to Him above all else.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Embracing Vulnerability: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with her hair was a vulnerable act of surrender. It invites us to consider: How can I be more vulnerable with Jesus? What areas of my life do I need to surrender to Him more fully? By opening our hearts to Him in vulnerability, we can experience a deeper level of intimacy and trust.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post