First Reading - Isaiah 42:1-7
Gospel - John 12:1-11
In the first reading, we hear one of the first of the four 'Songs of the Servant.' This song presents the servant as a prophet—chosen for a divine mission, stirred by the Spirit to teach the ways of the Lord to the whole world with quiet strength and unwavering resolve, even in the face of opposition. Yet, his mission is unlike that of any other prophet. He is not only a messenger but also the covenant itself, the light for the nations, the bearer of liberation and salvation. His life becomes a lavish offering—total and unreserved—for God’s mission and the redemption of humanity.
The Gospel scene unfolds just one week before the crucifixion of Jesus. As He walks the final steps of His journey to Calvary, we see Him not in sorrow, but in the warmth of friendship and love. He stops in Bethany—a place of rest and welcome—to spend time with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Instead of retreating into grief or fear, Jesus allows Himself to be surrounded by love. There, in this intimate gathering, unfolds a moment both tender and prophetic.
Mary, moved by profound love and gratitude, takes a jar of costly perfume—pure nard, worth nearly a year’s wages—and anoints the feet of Jesus. She then wipes them with her hair. Her gesture is extravagant, but it is the extravagance of love, of worship, of self-giving. She is not calculating; she is surrendering. Her act prepares Jesus for His burial, though she may not fully realize it. Her love is pure, intuitive, and generous.
In stark contrast stands Judas. He criticizes the act, cloaking his greed with a concern for the poor. His words sound pious, but his heart is not. While Mary pours out her treasure at the feet of Jesus, Judas clutches at what he can gain. The difference between the two is not merely a matter of action but of the heart. One heart is open and lavish; the other is closed and calculating.
Dear friends, the readings today place before us two models of discipleship. On one hand, we have Mary of Bethany and the servant from Isaiah—both of whom embody lavish self-offering in the service of God and others. Mary’s perfume becomes a symbol of the beauty and cost of true devotion. The servant's silent suffering becomes a symbol of strength rooted in surrender.
On the other hand, Judas represents a distorted form of discipleship—a kind that hesitates, calculates, and withholds. He represents those who are near Jesus but never fully give themselves to Him.
Today, we are called to ask ourselves: What kind of disciples are we? Are we holding back, or are we willing to offer ourselves generously—our time, our talents, our hearts—for the sake of Christ and the good of others? Holy Week is not just about remembering what Jesus did. It is about responding to what He continues to do in our lives.
Let us express our love and gratitude to Jesus for all He has done:
– He poured out His blood for our salvation.
– He anointed us with His Spirit and made us His own.
– He feeds us daily with His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
Let this week be a time of intentional love.
– Let us spend more time in prayer, entering into the mystery of His Passion.
– Let us practice penance—not as a burden, but as a way to purify our hearts.
– Let us serve others in humility, knowing that each act of kindness echoes the love of Christ.
May God help us become generous in our self-offering to the service of God and one another.
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