How important is money in your life?

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ: How important is money in your life? We need money to buy the things we want, to buy our clothes, to eat, to pay the bills. We need money to go out. For most of us, money is not that important because we have plenty of money, we have the ability to buy the things we need. We don’t worry about where the next meal will come from. If we were truly poor, then money would be so much more important because we might not be able to buy the things we need. But money may not always buy the things we really need. In today’s Gospel (John 12:1-11) we hear such a story, a story where money is not what is important, but the love and devotion of one of Jesus’ true followers. In the reading, Jesus stops at the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, who was just raised from the dead, for dinner. In the story, Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with precious oil and then dries them with her own hair. What an unselfish act, what a statement of love and devotion. Judas condemns the gracious act in saying, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" In reality, Judas is not really concerned about the poor; he is more concerned about the money then the acts of Mary. Jesus tells Judas, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." Jesus knows his day is coming, he knows that he is only a few days away from his torturous death. At this time, most of his followers abandoned him. He is alone and no money in the world could eliminate the loneliness he was experiencing. So Mary, out of the kindness of her heart, gave a great gift and a selfless act to honor her Lord to show him her true and sincere love. He welcomes the preparation for his death. Jesus’ response to Mary is one acknowledging her kind act of almsgiving. Mary’s act is purely out of love not greed. Israel at this time is under the rule of the Romans. The Jews are expecting a messiah to deliver them from the Romans. Today’s reading (Isaiah 42:1-11) tells us that God is going to send someone to form a “covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. The messiah that was given to us was not here to free us from the Romans, but to free us from our own sins. He was sent to free us from the bondage of the darkness and to provide the light for our salvation. What a beautiful gift. During this week, the readings focus on the Messiah who is sent to save Israel ; the Messiah who is sent to form a new covenant with his people, to provide the light to take them out of darkness. Jesus completed this great act through the coming events of the Passion. He gave of his body and blood so we could be saved. He was beaten and scourged so we could be saved. He was crucified and died on the cross so we could be saved. He was buried and defeated death through the resurrection so we could be saved. What a wonderful gift. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Passion Week is a great time to reflect on the gifts and treasures we have been given. How has God called you to use these gifts? Are your gifts used to anoint the feet of Christ, or are you wasting your gifts by not sharing them with others. Your simple gifts of kindness and love will be the light that opens the eyes of the blind and allows them to see the Lord. Only you can share these gifts. A Simple Prayer “Jesus, you lead us to the fullness of your Father’s love through your death and resurrection. All praise, honor, and glory be to you for the life you give to us.” Yours in Christ Michael Marcon PS Please set aside time for Mass on Thursday and Friday. Also, plan on attending the Shadow Stations on Friday evening to fully experience the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a great gift to give back to Jesus for the sacrifice he made for us.