Christian Reflection and Prayer

"Anointed for Burial

Lenten Devotion

"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).

Read John 12:1-8.

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.

THE 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.