Bill worked with fishermen in Liberia training them on safety at sea and how to get a bigger catch.
“Mary brought in a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair.”
Judas is horrified by what he decries as a waste of money, when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with ointment. John, however, makes it clear that this is less because Judas wants to put the money to good use, but rather because he wants to benefit from it himself.
There are always those in life who begrudge others their comforts. Who would rather keep as much as they can to themselves, than share with someone else. Who take it upon themselves to measure how deserving someone is – or is not – of receiving the help and support that they need.
This contrasts with Mary, whose action is generous and loving. She puts herself at Jesus’ service and treats him with tenderness and compassion. Through her actions she shows how she values her Lord above all else.
This Holy Week, let us consider how we can reflect Mary’s generosity in our lives. How can we show through our actions how much we love Christ, and put ourselves at the service of others? How can we share what we have for the benefit of those who need it at this moment?
Prayer
Generous God, fill us with your love and lead us to share generously with others throughout the world. Amen.
Act
If you are able to, please give generously to our Lent appeal today.