John 12:1-11
Jesus therefore, six days before the pasch, came to Bethania, where Lazarus had been dead, whom Jesus raised to life. And they made him a supper there: and Martha served. But Lazarus was one of them that were at table with him. Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, he that was about to betray him, said: Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor? Now he said this not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief and, having the purse, carried the things that were put therein. Jesus therefore said: Let her alone, that she may keep it against the day of my burial. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always. See the annotation of St. Matt. 26. 11. A great multitude therefore of the Jews knew that he was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests thought to kill Lazarus also: Because many of the Jews, by reason of him, went away and believed in Jesus.
Mary’s anointing of Jesus is a beautiful act of love, gratitude, and devotion. While others question her actions, Jesus recognizes the sincerity of her gift. The Gospel reminds us that genuine love often expresses itself through generosity and sacrifice. We are called to give God not only what is convenient but what is precious. Through acts of devotion, service, and charity, we honor Christ and prepare our hearts to celebrate His saving work.