Gospel Reading, Reflection, and Prayer for Monday of Holy Week
Gospel Reading: John 12. 1 - 11 New International Version - UK (NIVUK).
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.' He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Reflection
What price do we put on love? In today's Gospel, St. John invites us to reflect on the contrasting attitudes of Judas and Mary at that gathering in Bethany. For Judas, it seems that there was a price to be put on everything, even on a beautiful and generous act of loving care. Yes, the perfume was worth a year's wages, and the money it cost could have been spent in other ways. But for Mary, the money simply didn't matter - it was about finding the best way to express her love for Jesus, a love that was beyond price.
This Holy Week, as we follow Jesus on the Way of the Cross, perhaps we can reflect on our own attitude to the use of money - do we view it as a means to an end, or as an end in itself? Our attitude to money reflects our values and, as Jesus reminds us, this comes from our hearts: 'Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Matthew 6. 21). This also applies to nations, as well as individuals. At the present time, our nation's values are being tested in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. How far are we prepared to go in order to try and save lives? As a country, our response so far has been to do everything possible to care for others, and the decision to enforce a lockdown will inevitably mean taking a considerable economic 'hit'. Yet as a nation we have accepted the need for everyone to make sacrifices to save life. This Holy Week, we reflect on the ultimate lifesaving sacrifice made by Jesus, out of His love for you and me, and for this world. A love that was without price, which Jesus poured out for us on the cross. An overflowing, generous and selfless act of love, which Mary anticipated with the fragrant outpouring of her expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus.
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank You that You love us without limits. Help us to know more of Your priceless love, and to show it in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gospel Reading: John 12. 1 - 11 New International Version - UK (NIVUK).
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.' He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Reflection
What price do we put on love? In today's Gospel, St. John invites us to reflect on the contrasting attitudes of Judas and Mary at that gathering in Bethany. For Judas, it seems that there was a price to be put on everything, even on a beautiful and generous act of loving care. Yes, the perfume was worth a year's wages, and the money it cost could have been spent in other ways. But for Mary, the money simply didn't matter - it was about finding the best way to express her love for Jesus, a love that was beyond price.
This Holy Week, as we follow Jesus on the Way of the Cross, perhaps we can reflect on our own attitude to the use of money - do we view it as a means to an end, or as an end in itself? Our attitude to money reflects our values and, as Jesus reminds us, this comes from our hearts: 'Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' (Matthew 6. 21). This also applies to nations, as well as individuals. At the present time, our nation's values are being tested in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. How far are we prepared to go in order to try and save lives? As a country, our response so far has been to do everything possible to care for others, and the decision to enforce a lockdown will inevitably mean taking a considerable economic 'hit'. Yet as a nation we have accepted the need for everyone to make sacrifices to save life. This Holy Week, we reflect on the ultimate lifesaving sacrifice made by Jesus, out of His love for you and me, and for this world. A love that was without price, which Jesus poured out for us on the cross. An overflowing, generous and selfless act of love, which Mary anticipated with the fragrant outpouring of her expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus.
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank You that You love us without limits. Help us to know more of Your priceless love, and to show it in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.