Lent 5C Gospel - John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. As they ate there, with Martha serving and Lazarus with Jesus at the table, Mary took a pound of pure, expensive, anointing oil of nard, washed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house filled with the sweet smell of nard.

Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus about to betray him, said, "What are you doing? We could have sold this oil for $8,000 and given the money to the poor!" (He didn't say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and the one who carried the group purse.)

Jesus replied, "Leave her be. She has saved this as preparation for my burial. Y'all will always have the poor, but y'all will not always have me."

Thoughts on this Passage

I know the last sentence here seems harsh, but think about focus. The world is full of people who need help, who need time, who need companionship, but none of us can do all of it. Rather than spreading yourself broadly, but with little effect, focus on what you have now and how those gifts are best used. Pick one way to help, and give it all you have. If Christ is standing in front of you and can be honored with what you have been given, don't be distracted by all the other places you might encounter and serve Christ. God's giving you opportunities to have Christ-centered encounters, so don't get distracted.