Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7, Ps. 27:1-3,13-14, John 12:1-11
“There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.” (John 12:2-3)
As we continue our journey through the Holy Week, we notice that at this point, there are two camps: those on the side of Jesus and those plotting against Jesus. They even planned to eliminate Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Hatred makes us unreasonable; it pushes us into battles we know we can never win. Mary and Martha were among the few on Jesus’ side. They invited Him to their home to express their appreciation for raising Lazarus. What do we learn from today’s readings?
1. God Expects Our Thanksgiving: Giving thanks to God even for the most minor things we enjoy is very important. You might be wondering: “Does God need my thanksgiving?” Yes. It doesn’t add to Him, but it makes me more blessed. When only one leper returned to give thanks, Jesus asked: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Jesus told him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19). Mary and Martha were not like the other nine lepers. They knew the importance of Thanksgiving.
2. Nothing is too great (or too little) for Thanksgiving: In the case of the leper, the best he could do was to say “Thank You”. However, Mary and Martha organised a Thanksgiving Dinner for Jesus and his disciples since they could afford it. While Martha served dishes, Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair. This was her saying: “Thank you for bringing back my brother to life.” Learn to count your blessings and give thanks. What matters is not your Thanksgiving’s value but your heart’s sincerity. God is not expecting you to pay for His blessings, but you multiply your blessings by giving thanks.
3. Bitterness Kills Our Faith: Mary and Martha felt betrayed when Lazarus died. Jesus did not prevent his death and refused to show up when he was sick. Do not become bitter when prayers are not answered. God always has a plan for everything. Trust God and carry on. In John 11:21-22, Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” It is never too late for God. Becoming bitter with God is self-sabotage.
4. God Sees Our Hearts: Judas Iscariot said, “This oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Meanwhile, he said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. Do you sometimes feel that some people are doing too much for God? Let God be the judge. We may deceive others by pretending to be good, but nothing is hidden from God. It is better to be a light than a hypocrite pretending to be a light. In today’s First Reading, God says: “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:6)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to give thanks from our hearts. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of Holy Week, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 42:1-7, Ps. 27:1-3,13-14, John 12:1-11).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu