Monday of Holy Week, Gospel Reading

John 12:1-11

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.  Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who whould betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?"  He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.  So Jesus said, "Leave her alone.  Let her keep this for the day of my burial.  You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
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Reflect:

Martha foretells the coming of Jesus’ death by anointing His feet with oil. Ironically, this action is done in the presence of Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead. Another foretelling of what Jesus will do for our salvation. I hope you take time this week to truly and deeply reflect and pray all that Jesus endured for your salvation and redemption.  (Reflection from http://www.lifeteen.com/, Daily Devotional, 3-29-10)