Mary Vs Judas

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Holy Week: Monday*

*Gospel : John 12:1-11*

*First Reading : Is 42:1-7*

*Mary Vs Judas*

*1) Mary and Judas*

Both these characters are mentioned in today's Gospel

Judas was called by Jesus. He was one among 12 apostles

Mary encountered Jesus' mercy and love, and she really became the genuine disciple of Jesus. Moreover she really loved Jesus 

*2) The cost of the oil*

The Gospel of the day also mentions about the *perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard*

The Gospel says that it was very costly oil 

Judas gives the value of this oil. He says *three hundred days’ wages*

Converted in Rs, it would be, 1,50,000 rs, if a person gets 500 rs as salary per day. 

The value of the oil will change according to the wage a person gets per day 

So there is no doubt that this oil was very costly

*3) Mary uses this costly oil for Jesus*

One among precious things Mary might have had this costly oil 

She uses this best oil for anointing Jesus' feet 

In other words it simply means, Mary gave a best things which she had in her life to Jesus

She didn't keep the best thing for herself 

*4) Judas' intention to use for Business*

The Gospel makes it very clear the language of Judas

From his language one can clearly understand that the whole idea of Judas to make business and to get best returns from the costly oil 

By selling the oil one can get big amount of money, which can be used for various purposes 

So Judas wants to use the best thing for business and not for Jesus 

Finally Judas has to commit suicide for the sake of money, which made him to betray Jesus

*5) Abel and Cain*

Abel used the best animal to offer God. Abel's offering was accepting by God and he was blessed by God 

Cain collected some grains and offered to God. In a way it was not the best grains. His offering was not accepted by God 

Finally Cain incurred a curse from God, and he became a cursed man 

*6) The reward for offering the best Thing to Jesus*

First of all she received the forgiveness for all her past sins 

Secondly, Jesus delivered her from all evil things, from seven deadly sins 

Thirdly she became the best disciple of Jesus

Fourthly, she received a chance to be with Jesus during passion death and burial of Jesus 

Finally she is the one who received the first great news of resurrection and she became the Apostle of the Apostles

She became blessed among men, to communicate the great news to the entire world 

*7) What do I offer to Jesus?*

Is the best thing or the ordinary thing? 

Life is the best thing which can be offered to Jesus 

Service can be another best thing

Forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, love, are some of the best things which can be offered to Jesus, whose value can't be counted in terms of money 

So, what is my offering to Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*