Monday, Holy Week
(John 12)
Today we remember Pope John Paul II who died exactly two years ago. The world mourned his passing because he was human like everyone else and still so holy like almost no one else. He certainly was not afraid to demonstrate his concern for physical well-being. After his election he had a swimming pool installed at his summer residence. When some cardinals wondered if the pool were not an extravagance, he responded that it was cheaper than another conclave.
In the gospel Judas criticizes Mary’s anointing Jesus in a much harsher way than the cardinals’ questioning of John Paul’s prudence. No motive is given for Judas’ condemnation, but we might suppose that pride keeps him from seeing anything good about the one he will betray. We can imagine him thinking that if Jesus allows such lavishness for himself, it might be socially more beneficial if he were eliminated.
Mary probably uses so much costly ointment because Jesus has done her the great favor of bringing her brother back to life. But she is definitely onto something significant. Jesus can perform such an act because he is God’s son. His restoring Lazarus to physical life is just a sample of his divine mission. He is about to win for everyone who cares to believe in him a share in eternal life. For this he deserves not only our choicest possession but also our whole heart and soul.
