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. (Jn 12:3)

 

In today’s Gospel, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus’s feet with expensive oil.  Her actions are a foreshadowing of an act of preparation of his death.  This act is seen as a display of extravagant faith and a profound understanding of Jesus’s impending death.  

 

Judas complains that this oil is wasted and could have been sold for 300 days wages.  While Judas,criticizes Mary's actions, arguing that the oil could have been sold to help the poor. This reveals his greed and lack of appreciation for Jesus's sacrifice and Mary's devotion. 

 

Mary’s act of devotion and love contrasts Judas’s greed.  Jesus defends Mary's actions, stating that the poor will always be with them, but that Jesus will not always be present. 

 

This passage emphasizes the significance of selfless love and devotion, highlighting the contrast between those who seek to serve God and those who prioritize their own desires. 

 

Deacon Joe Trevino

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX