The Gospel for Holy Monday comes from John 12:1-7.  ^!1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’   He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. ‘Leave her alone, Jesus replied. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.’”

Oh, this story humbles me so.  Mary gave her very best to Jesus.  And what do I give?   Do I give my most precious possession?  Do I give the best my heart can offer?   Do I give extravagantly out of pure love for my Lord?   Do I love Jesus with all my heart and all my soul? 

Ah, we can make excuses, after all Jesus had just raised Mary’s brother from the dead!   Wow!  Of course she would overflow with love.   But wait, what has Jesus done for me?   How many times has he answered my prayers?  How many times has he walked closely with me through tough times?  How many times has he blessed my family and friends?  

I bow down humbly today for all that Jesus has done and for all that I have left undone.  Will you join me on this Holy Monday, looking in awe at the unconditional love Jesus gives and striving to offer him our best, whatever that may be.

Judy