Monday of Holy Week
Jn 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Growing in Faith
While this is a passage I’ve heard and read many times, this time what stands out to me is the change in Martha and Mary from the last time we heard about a dinner they gave for Jesus. Martha is still serving, but she seems to be doing so with a quiet and content spirit. Mary, rather than simply sitting at Jesus’ feet, is more active as she anoints his feet with oil. What has happened in the intervening time? For one thing, Jesus raised their brother Lazarus from the dead. That surely would give one a different perspective! I imagine that they have also learned more from Jesus and that their faith has grown and deepened. Both seem more balanced in their approach to Jesus and perhaps to life in general. From our vantage point, we know that they will need to draw on that steadfast faith in the days to come. As Lent draws to a close may we find that our faith has grown and deepened as well.
—Mandy Dillon is a Retreat Coordinator at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, IL and is also in the Spiritual Direction Internship program there.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, even if this season of Lent doesn’t seem to have been as fruitful as we think it should have been, help us to draw near to you this week in quiet contemplation. Deepen our faith as we walk with you through your Passion so that we may also join you in the Easter joy that is to come. Amen.
—Mandy Dillon