First reading Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my chosen one in whom my soul delights
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I have endowed him with my spirit
that he may bring true justice to the nations.
He does not cry out or shout aloud,
or make his voice heard in the streets.
He does not break the crushed reed,
nor quench the wavering flame.
Faithfully he brings true justice;
he will neither waver, nor be crushed
until true justice is established on earth,
for the islands are awaiting his law.
Thus says God, the Lord,
he who created the heavens and spread them out,
who gave shape to the earth and what comes from it,
who gave breath to its people
and life to the creatures that move in it:
‘I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations,
‘to open the eyes of the blind,
to free captives from prison,
and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.’
Responsorial Psalm 26(27):1-3,13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
whom should I dread?
When those who do evil draw near
to devour my flesh,
It is they, my enemies and foes,
who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart would not fear.
Though war break out against me,
even then would I trust.
I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong;
be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!
Gospel John 12:1-11
‘She had to keep this scent for the day of my burial’
Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there; Martha waited on them and Lazarus was among those at table. Mary brought in a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair; the house was full of the scent of the ointment. Then Judas Iscariot – one of his disciples, the man who was to betray him – said, ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions. So Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone; she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial. You have the poor with you always, you will not always have me.’
Meanwhile a large number of Jews heard that he was there and came not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. Then the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus.
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True friendship
In today’s gospel, we see a beautiful moment of friendship. Jesus is in Bethany with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, friends whom He loved. They share a meal together. During the meal, Mary pours expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. It is an act of love and gratitude. She does not calculate the cost, but gives generously because her heart is full.
Judas complains that the perfume is being wasted. However, Jesus defends Mary. True friendship with Jesus is not based on appearances or efficiency; it is founded on love. Real love involves giving, sacrificing, and respecting the other. As we reflect on this gospel passage, we are reminded that friendship with Jesus is personal. He desires not just our duty, but our love. Genuine friendship is also evident in how we treat others with generosity, presence, and honesty.
Reflective Question:
In my friendship with Jesus, do I give Him my time and love freely or only what is convenient and calculated?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
