The Cost of the Oil and Generosity of the Woman

Gospel Thoughts*

*Holy Week : Monday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 12:1-11*

*First Reading - Is 42:1-7*

*The Cost of the Oil and Generosity of the Woman*

*1) The Cost of the Oil*

According to the Gospel it said the cost of the Oil is *three hundred days’ wages*

If we calculate per day if the wage around 600 it would be like 600x300=1,80,000

So the total cost of the oil is so high, which at times we fail to observe 

*2) What does this costly oil symbioses?*

Rs 1,80,000 is not a joke. It is the  worth of One years work. So costly 

Mary offering this such s costly oil, Shows how generous she is. She does not mind offering such a oil to anointing the feet of Jesus 

Mary's attitude of this cost is seen in line with Love. Genuine Love calculates no cost of the things, when one wants to give to the beloved 

Judas calculated the cost of the Oil in terms of Money value. There the value of Love is not Found 

In Judas one can see only greed for money, but in Mary one can see only Love and genuine Love

*3) The Amount of Oil*

The Gospel says *Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard*

It is one liter. In fact to anoint the feet one does not need one liter of Oil. It is enough to have little of it. But offering one litre of oil by Mary also shows her generous Heart 

*4) The Oil is one of the best things which was available for Mary*

We can conclude that to offer such a oil would be the best available option for Mary

First of all it is very costly 

Secondly it is made out of special herbs

Thirdly it had special fragrance.

Because of this characteristics, this oil appears to be the best available option for Mary 

*5)Will I be able to offer best things to God?*

From this episode one thing is very clear that, Mary offered the best thing to Jesus. There isn't any doubt about it

She is an inspiration to all of us, in offering something to God. Give to God that which you consider best and dear to you. God will be pleased with it

Am I ready to offer the best things in my life to God?

*6) The Oil in my life*

What would be the Alabaster oil will represent in my life? 

Alabaster oil is something which can't be calculated in terms of money but seen in terms of Love. If so the following things can be considered as Alabaster oil in my life 

Service

Forgiveness

Humility

Simplicity

Holiness, 

Love

Care and concern 

Generosity

Goodwill, 

Sharing 

Wellbeing of one another 

All these will represent the Alabaster oil in my life 

If so how do they work in my life?

Am I ready to offer them?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*