John 12:1-8
1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 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.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (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.)
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
Thanks and farewell party
St. John, invites us to think about giving gratitude to the Lord for His great gifts. Lazarus’ family offers a special party of thanksgiving and gratitude. How could they forget what He has done for them, bringing their dear brother back to life?
The text tells that the party took place in their town of Bethany near Jerusalem. Lazarus has a place of honor next to Jesus. He is the true and real witness about Jesus’ power on life and death!
Mary brought “a costly perfume made of pure nard,” estimated to be the salary of three full days work in that time! Anointing Jesus’ feet with a very expensive nard reminds one of both love and honor. The person to whom it is offered could be in a very high position. “While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance" Song of Songs 1:12.
The whole family is celebrating Lazarus coming back to life, while others are there to criticize and minimize the value of this event. They claim that they care for the poor and that what was done is a just wasteful and indifference to the poor.
Jesus doesn't reveal Judas’ thefts, but praises what Mary has done. He reminds us that caring for the poor is important, that the poor are everywhere and in every time among us! "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11.
This gospel comes in this time of Lent to remind us of:
God's gifts in our life, and how we can thank Him individually, as a family or a church congregation;
Our witness to His Presence in our personal life;
Serving Him through our job, community and Church with gratitude;
Caring for Him in the person of the poor. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.
This is what we are invited to. How do we respond? It is worthy to think about!