Monday of Holy Week | iPray with the Gospel
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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12:1-11
Thank you, Mary, for your generosity! Thank you for your example, for loving Jesus so much. Thank you for giving Him joy before His Passion, for pouring on Him all of the perfume and not just a few drops. Thank you for filling the atmosphere with the fragrance of your generosity, the scent of your love.
Thank you for your contrition, because being a sinner you were forgiven much. And because you loved much, you were given more. And for receiving so much you gave Him even more. That jar was like your heart: you poured out not just a bit of love but your whole heart. That fragrance was the perfume of your love. Thank you, Mary, for teaching me to love Jesus Christ!
Thank you, Mary, for not being intimidated by Judas, by anyone, nor even by what others might think of you. Thank you for being with Jesus during His last sorrowful week. Thank you for not running away, leaving Our Lord alone as many did. Thank you, Mary, for your courage. Thank you for your fidelity. Thank you, also, for accompanying our Lady during her ordeal. Thank you for being at the foot of the Cross. Thank you, Mary, for taking the Dead Body of Jesus in your arms, for kissing It, for helping to clean It, to embalm It, to bury It. Thank you for going to the tomb early on Sunday. Thank you for running back from the tomb to announce the Resurrection!
Mary, forget Judas’ comment, he has vanished; but the aroma of your love will never vanish. Oh, Mary of Bethany, I am a sinner… as you were… will you teach me to be a generous lover of Jesus… as you are?
This article originally appeared on www.ipraywiththegospel.org. Reprinted with permission. Copyright © George Boronat.
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Rev. George Boronat
Rev. George Boronat M.D. S.T.D is a Catholic priest from the Prelature of Opus Dei, working in the Archdiocese of Southwark in London. He is the Chaplain of The Cedars Independent School in Croydon, and also works as Chaplain of Kelston Club & Study Centre (Balham) and Oakwood Independent School (Purley). He has developed his pastoral ministry mainly with young people and is the author of iPray with the Gospel: Resources to Help Young People Pray.
