Monday of Holy Week
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April 6, 2020Today’s Gospel is incredibly meditative for our lives. Judas is upset that Mary anointed Jesus feet with the expensive oil. In reality, as the Gospel says, he is upset that the jar was broke and all the oil used, or in a sense some used, and the rest wasted. Which stirs the question, why did Mary break the jar of oil rather than just pour some of it?
In order to understand the scenario, we have to consider two parts to this story. Mary knew Judas, just like Jesus knew Judas, and the other eleven apostles knew Judas. They all knew he was a thief and continuously stealing money. There is a possibility that if Mary did not break the jar and use it all, or if Judas interrupted her while pouring it on Jesus slowly and using small amounts, she could have been influenced to not use all the oil for Jesus.
The oil was expensive and could have been sold for a large amount of money. Mary wanted to use it ALL for Jesus. She was devoted to Him and wanted it all for Him. By breaking the jar, Mary is committed to giving all to Jesus, no turning back, no second guessing, no being influenced to not use it all, nor talked out of it. She was determined to not skim and only give part to Jesus and be selfish with the rest. This is what upsets Judas. Judas could not bring himself to give all of anything to Jesus, let alone himself.
Do we give all to Jesus? or do we leave opportunities open to turn back? Possibly not following through with our prayers every day, or not following through with charity, or not following through with kindness throughout the day, and finding excuses to justify our reasons. Do we find reasons so justify our sins and our lack of responsibilities?
Jesus does not want a good intention, He wants ALL from us. He gave us ALL. This Holy Week reflect on Jesus giving us His ALL and be like Mary Magdalen and give ALL to Him.
