“The Lord is my light and my salvation” says the Psalmist.
Happy Holy Week! Today, the gospel passage contains two separate episodes which told place in Bethany, the home of Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus had gone to Bethany to enjoy the party given to his friend, Lazarus by his family and friends. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to be crucified
The reactions of the religious leaders to the Lazarus and the response of Judas, a disciple of Jesus to Mary’s extravagant gift (anointing) to Jesus.
Regarding Lazarus, “the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.” Hence, Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead did not go well with the religious leaders. They were jealous and afraid of the implications. Thus, Lazarus has become a stumbling block. They plotted to get rid of him also.
The reaction of Judas to the extravagant love shown to Jesus by Mary was something else. What did Mary do that attracted Judas criticism? Firstly, for Judas, she had spent so much money on perfume, a money which Judas suggested could have been used to help the poor. Secondly, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with spikenard (a very costly perfume worth, the wages of a laborer for 300 days. Lastly, she wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. Judas saw Mary’s actions as scandalous. Judas did not see the extravagant love of Mary as good judgment.
What do we learn from this gospel passage?
What can we learn from the chief priests’ reactions to the resurrection of Lazarus?
What crime did Lazarus commit that made the religious leaders wanted him dead?
How do you and I respond if a favor is granted to someone else?
Are you a happy camper or a Mr. scrooge? Something to think about!
May we use this Holy Week period to reflect on our gifts and talents and how we use them. May you and I be ever grateful for the favors received or given. Let’s be grateful to God during this Holy Week, by spending more time in prayer and adoration, especially by participating actively in the liturgical celebrations. Let’s also take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation offered in our parishes.
Have a Blessed Week
