Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Meditation:

Scripture

Read John 12:1-8.

TEXT: "Jesus said, 'Leave
her alone, so that she may keep it
for the day of My burial. For the
poor you always have with you,
but you do not always have Me'"
(John 12:7-8).

Mary is very grateful to Jesus. She
has heard His wonderful words and
received her brother Lazarus back
from death. As her family gathers
around the table with Jesus and His
disciples for dinner, she pours an
expensive ointment over Jesus' feet
and wipes it with her hair.

Her generosity should be an
inspiration for Jesus' disciples. But
it only stirs the darkness in Judas.
He complains how the ointment was
worth nearly a year's wages and that
the money should have gone to the
poor instead. But Jesus stands up in
her defense. He boldly commands
Judas to leave her alone. She has
done this to honor Him, and the
scent of that perfume will linger on
His body throughout His trials,
crucifixion and burial in the coming
days.

Do we have Mary's tremendous
sense of gratitude and love for our
Lord? Do we really appreciate what
He has done for us, what He has
given to us, and the promise of a
glorious future because of Him?

How striking to compare Mary's
devotion with that of Judas-who has
replaced his devotion to Jesus with
a love for money. For, as John tells
us, Judas had no intention of helping
the poor with that money. He only
wanted to get his hands on it-as he
had stolen money from the disciples'
moneybag many times before. Sadly,
in the next few days he will do far
worse for a much smaller amount of
money.

PRAYER:

Holy Spirit, stir up in my heart true
love, gratitude and appreciation for
all Jesus has done for me. I pray in
Jesus' Name. Amen.

Lutheran Hour Ministries