Gospel Reading: John 12:1-11

1 It was six days before the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus lived. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. 2 They made supper for Him. Martha put the food on the table. Lazarus was at the table with Him.

 3 Mary took a jar of special perfume that cost much money and poured it on the feet of Jesus. She dried His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the smell of the special perfume.

 4 Judas Iscariot was one of the followers. He was about to hand Jesus over to the leaders of the country. He said, 5 "Why was not this special perfume sold for much money and given to poor people?" 6 He did not say this because he cared for poor people. He said this because he was a robber. He carried the bag of money and would steal some of it for himself. 7 Jesus said, "Let her alone. She has kept it for the time when I will be buried. 8 You will always have poor people with you. You will not always have Me."

9 Many Jews came to the place because they knew Jesus was there. They came not only to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus also. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. 10 The religious leaders of the Jews talked together about having Lazarus killed also. 11 Because of Lazarus, many Jews were leaving their own religion. They were putting their trust in Jesus. Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;  he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Meditation: The gospel records that the whole house was filled with the perfume of the ointment. What Mary had done brought sweetness not only in the physical sense, but the spiritual sense as well. Her lovely deed shows the extravagance of love – a love that we cannot outmatch. The Lord Jesus showed us the extravagance of his love in giving the best he had by pouring out his own blood for our sake and by anointing us with his Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul says that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in all your thoughts and intentions, and in all your words and deeds?

Prayer: "Give us, Lord, a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, a love of you. Take from us all lukewarmness in meditation, dullness in prayer. Give us fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace, your tender compassion towards me. The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labor for: through Jesus Christ our Lord."  (Prayer of Sir Thomas More, 16th century)

Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14

1 The Lord is my light and the One Who saves me. Whom should I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom should I be afraid?
 2 When sinful men, and all who hated me, came against me to destroy my flesh, they tripped and fell.
 3 Even if an army gathers against me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if war rises against me, I will be sure of You.

13 I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the lovingkindness of the Lord in the land of the living.
 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.