Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jesus returns to the home of Lazarus—the friend he had once called out from the grave. Martha is there, faithful in service. Mary is there too, the contemplative sister, attentive to the presence before her.
Mary kneels and anoints the feet of Jesus. It is an act of tenderness. It is the language of love. It is faith made visible. She believes that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. After all, she has seen death undone by his voice. She remembers the moment he cried out, “Lazarus, come out,” and watched her brother rise again.
Judas is there as well—but his heart has grown twisted. He had hoped Jesus would be a political revolutionary who would usher in a new kingdom by force. Instead, Jesus speaks of a kingdom shaped by forgiveness rather than revenge, by love rather than hatred. Judas had lost faith in the way of Jesus.
When Mary pours out the costly oil on Jesus, Judas objects. He pretends to be concerned for the poor, but he was really a thief. He would have less money to steal because Mary had used it to anoint Jesus. Truth be told, Judas no longer loved Jesus the way he once had. His devotion was only to his political causes and his wallet.
Mary, on the other hand is showing her devotion to Jesus. And he accepts it from her.
May the Lord accept our devotion too during this very Holy Week.