Daily Reflection

“Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him) said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’…Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’”

Mary anointing Jesus is a sacrifice of praise. Judas’ protest not only reveals his character but also shows that there is a real cost to what Mary does: This is a lifetime supply of perfume that could have simply been used, or used otherwise, yes, as money for the poor, or as her dowry, as a good to be traded. Instead, she breaks the jar open over Jesus, intending to honour him, fitting him for what he says is to come, that sweet-musky scent wafting throughout the house and all the way to the cross.

Jesus, we trade our good for Yours, intending to take what we have, whether extravagant or humble, to honour You. Holy Spirit, make our whole lives a sacrifice of praise, fit for glorifying God. Amen

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Daily Reflection

Monday, March 25, 2024