Mary's Gesture of anointing the feet of Jesus and dring them with her hair

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Holy Week : Monday*

*Gospel : John 12:1-11*

*First Reading : Is 42:1-7*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14*

*Mary's Gesture of  anointing the feet of Jesus and dring them with her hair*

*1) An Act of Deep Love and Devotion*

Mary’s action expresses her overflowing love and gratitude to Jesus. 

She had seen Him raise her brother Lazarus from the dead (John 11), and in response, she gives her most precious possession—a jar of expensive perfume—without hesitation. 

This act reminds us that true worship involves giving our best, holding nothing back.

*Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.* (Matthew 6:21)

*2) Humility and Surrender*

To wipe someone’s feet was a lowly servant’s task.

But Mary not only does this for Jesus, she does it with her own hair—her glory (1 Corinthians 11:15)—symbolizing total humility and surrender. 

She places her dignity at Jesus’ feet, showing that no act is too humble when it’s done out of love for Christ.

*3)  A Prophetic Gesture of Burial Preparation*

Jesus Himself says, *She has kept it for the day of My burial* (John 12:7).

Mary’s anointing foreshadows His death.

While others misunderstood or criticized her, she was in tune with Jesus’ path to the cross

This invites reflection on whether we truly understand and align ourselves with the suffering and mission of Christ, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular

*4) A Contrast with Judas and Selfishness*

In John 12:4–6, Judas criticizes Mary for what he calls a waste of money, pretending concern for the poor. 

But John reveals Judas' real motive: greed. 

This moment starkly contrasts genuine love (Mary) with hypocritical self-interest (Judas). 

It challenges us to examine our own motives—are we truly giving, or are we keeping score?

*5) The Fragrance of Worship*

*The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume* (John 12:3). 

This is more than a sensory detail; it symbolizes how true worship leaves a lingering impact. 

When we pour ourselves out in love for Christ, it not only blesses Him, but also touches everyone around us.

*6) Deeper Meaning of Fragrance*

Evey good gesture has a fragrance

The kind gesture of Veronica on the way to Calvary, still spreads the fragrance of courage, fragrance of inspiration and fragrance of sacrificial love for Jesus

The fragrance of the conversion of  Zacchaeus is  still fresh even today 

The fragrance of the Samaritan woman can not  hide under the bushel

The fragrance of the Good Samaritan continues to attract millions of people 

If so, what type of fragrance comes out of my life? 

What type of oil have I stored to anoint the feet of Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*