Judas Iscariot—the disciple who was to betray Jesus—remarked, “This perfume could have been sold for three hundred silver coins,
and the money given to the poor.” Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief, and as he held the common purse,
he used to help himself to the funds.
But Jesus spoke up, “Leave her alone. Was she not keeping it for the day of my burial? (The poor you always have with you,
but you will not always have me.)”
Many Jews heard that Jesus was there and they came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead.
So the chief priests thought about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the Jews were drifting away because of him, and believing in Jesus.
REFLECTION:
There is a subtleness and quiet to genuine goodness that contrasts with the boisterousness and showiness of evil that masquerades as good.
The reading from the prophet Isaiah speaks of the true servant of God – one who does God’s will with little to no fanfare and yet accomplishes the task he has been given with great commitment and dedication.
In the gospel, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, sought to pay Jesus homage in the way she knew best, by quietly anointing his feet with perfume.
Contrast that with the boisterous protest of Judas who even mentions “the poor”. We are told that he did so, not because he cared for them,
but because he was stealing from the community’s funds.
May the Lord teach us the value of quiet, gentle and subtle service to our brothers and sisters, most especially those who are in need.
May we always be reminded that the most valuable reward is that which comes from the heavenly Father who sees and values what we do in secret.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020