Martha waited on them, Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus.
Then Mary took a pound of costly perfume, made from genuine spikenard, and anointed
the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the
fragrance of the perfume.
Judas Iscariot—the disciple who was to betray Jesus—remarked, “This perfume could
have been sold for three hundred silver coins, and the money given to the poor.” Judas,
indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief, and as he held the common purse,
he used to help himself to the funds.
But Jesus spoke up, “Leave her alone. Was she not keeping it for the day of my burial?
(The poor you always have with you, but you will not always have me.)”
Many Jews heard that Jesus was there and they came, not only because of Jesus, but
also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests thought
about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the Jews were drifting away because of him,
and believing in Jesus.
Reflect
Gentleness is an underrated virtue in a world where strength and power get all of the
attention. Political and business leaders are seen as successful when they show off their
power, and even if they appear to be cruel.
But today’s readings show a different standard. The Lord’s servant does not wield power with
a strong arm. Instead, he is gentle and caring, protecting the weak and the vulnerable. He
does not call attention to himself but to the Lord who is truth and justice. Similarly, Jesus praises
Mary for her gentle, caring act, offering him the comfort of anointing and a loving touch.
Who needs a loving word and a caring touch from me today? How can I serve and protect
those who need me? Though Jesus said that the poor would always be with us, that does not
mean that we may ignore their immediate needs and fail to challenge the structures that keep
them in poverty. Following the Lord of justice and truth, we can offer our protection and support.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023