Mary's Fearless Love

 

 Jn 12:1-11

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. ³ Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

⁴ But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” ⁶ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

⁷ “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

⁹ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, ¹¹ for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, displays her love for Jesus by this extravagant act of washing his feet with a very expensive perfume. She provokes criticism from Judas but wins approval from Jesus. What deep and fearless love she had for Jesus and what a model she serves for us, especially this last week of Lent. What lavish act of love can offer to Jesus? Something I do for my family, my community, the poor? How can I anoint the feet of Jesus as Mary did?

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, may I have the courage and deep love of Mary to anoint the feet of Jesus by some lavish act of kindness and care during this last week of Lent. Amen.