Jesus said, “Leave her alone.
Let her keep this
for the day of my burial.
You always have
the poor with you,
but you do not
always have me.”
(John 12:7-8)
Jesus is more valuable and worthy than all the riches of the world combined. Our offering expresses our love and devotion to Jesus.
What the world may see as a waste, God sees as a valuable sacrifice. A life spent in selfless devotion to Jesus is not wasted, but a life spent on self is totally wasted.
These lessons inspire us to live a life of devotion, sacrifice, and service, recognizing Jesus’ worth and the impact of His miracles. They warn us of the existence of evil intentions and remind us of the value of living our lives for Jesus.
More valuable than all riches combined,
Is Jesus, in Him true wealth we find.
Our offerings express our love so deep,
For the Shepherd who cares for His sheep.
What the world may see as a waste,
To God, is a sacrifice, beautifully graced.
A life spent in selfless devotion to Him,
Is never wasted, but filled to the brim.
Yet a life spent on self, in worldly chase,
Is totally wasted, lost in space.
These lessons inspire us, in every way,
To live a life of devotion, come what may.
Recognizing Jesus' worth, so divine,
And the impact of His miracles, truly benign.
They warn us of evil intentions, so sly,
And remind us of the value of the Most High.
Living our lives for Jesus, our King,
Brings us joy that makes our hearts sing.
So let's live a life of sacrifice and service,
For Jesus, who gave His life for us.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are more valuable and worthy than all the riches of the world combined. Our offerings to You are expressions of our love and devotion. What the world may see as a waste, you see as a valuable sacrifice. A life spent in selfless devotion to You is not wasted, but a life spent on self is totally wasted.
These lessons inspire us to live a life of devotion, sacrifice, and service, recognizing Your worth and the impact of Your miracles. They warn us of the existence of evil intentions and remind us of the value of living our lives for You.
Help us to always remember these lessons and to live our lives according to Your will. Guide us in our journey of faith and help us to always trust in Your love and mercy.
In Your Holy Name, we pray,
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
John 12:1-11
Gospel Acclamation
Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults.
Gospel | John 12:1-11
1 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
Background:
John 12:1-11 is a significant passage in the Book of John, marking the end of Jesus’ public ministry1. This passage takes place six days before the Passover, during the last week before the death and burial of Jesus. Almost half of John’s Gospel is given to this last week.
The passage begins with Jesus coming to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom He had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for Him there; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. This dinner was probably to celebrate the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
The Evangelist has selected three final events of Jesus’ public ministry before the Passion week to highlight in this chapter: Mary’s anointing of Jesus at Bethany (12:1-8), The Jewish leaders plot to kill Lazarus (12:9-11), Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (12:12-19)
In verses 1-11, we see Mary’s anointing of Jesus at Bethany and the Jewish leaders plotting to kill Lazarus. These events are part of the final preparations for the hour of death and glory.
This passage is part of a larger context where Jesus advances toward the hour of death and glory. It also prophesies the confusion of idolaters and exposes the blindness, ignorance, and stupidity of the Jews.
Learning Lessons:
Devotion to Jesus: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume demonstrates her deep devotion and love for Jesus. This teaches us the importance of expressing our love and devotion to Jesus in our actions.
Value of Sacrifice: Mary’s act was criticized by Judas as wasteful, but Jesus defended her, indicating that her sacrifice was valuable. This reminds us that what the world may see as a waste, God may see as a valuable sacrifice.
Jesus is Worthy: The act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume signifies recognizing Jesus’ worth. This encourages us to acknowledge and honor Jesus’ worth in our lives.
Selfless Service: Martha served at the dinner, demonstrating selfless service. This highlights the importance of serving others selflessly.
Impact of Miracles: Lazarus’ resurrection led many to believe in Jesus. This underscores the impact of God’s miracles on people’s faith.
Evil Intentions: The plot of the Jewish leaders to kill Lazarus shows the extent of evil intentions. This warns us of the existence of evil intentions in the world.
Life is Not Wasted When Lived for Jesus: A life spent in selfless devotion to Jesus is not wasted, but a life spent on self is totally wasted.
This story illustrates Jesus’ words in Mark 8:35-36: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”.
These lessons inspire us to live a life of devotion, sacrifice, and service, recognizing Jesus’ worth and the impact of His miracles. They warn us of the existence of evil intentions and remind us of the value of living our lives for Jesus.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
