At the feet of Jesus

Holy Week - Monday 11 April

"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?’"

Reading

John 12.1-11

Mary Anoints Jesus

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.’

The Plot to Kill Lazarus

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.

Reflection

The tyranny of scarcity reaches deep. Even seeking justice can become ruled by productivity and efficiency and overlook the Sabbath principle: there is more than needed, life is not a zero-sum game. Judas instrumentalises and perverts justice, and forgets that giving to God and giving to our neighbour are not in competition, but belong together.

Judas’ fake care, from a position of authority sitting at the table, contrasts with Mary’s selfless devotion, despite not having a space at the table. Mary’s status may be lower, a woman, expected to serve, but she is the first person to wash feet in Holy Week, with perfume and her own hair for a towel.

Mary’s care for the person and body of Jesus reminds us that seeking justice goes deeper than words and activism. It cuts to the heart of our relationship with God. Loving God and neighbour are two sides of the same coin.

Prayer

Generous God, help us never treat others as a problem or a project, but only ever come alongside in humility and shared humanity. Amen.

Today's family challenge

Choose a charity helping to improve a situation you care about

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