Encountering God and World in Scriptures

Light of Truth

Lectio Divina – 25

Fr Martin Kallunkal

Reading
“Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon, a man who had suffered from a virulent skin-disease, when a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and poured it on his head as he was at table. When they saw this, the disciples said indignantly, ‘Why this waste? This could have been sold for a high price and the money is given to the poor.’ But Jesus noticed this and said, ‘Why are you upsetting the woman? What she has done for me is indeed a good work. You have the poor with you always, but you will not always have me. When she poured this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. In truth I tell you, wherever in all the world this gospel is proclaimed, what she has done will be told as well, in remembrance of her’” (Mt. 26:6-13).

Reflection
In this small event, one can see three approaches to Jesus and the poor ones He loves. The unnamed woman, the disciples, and Jesus Himself represent the three approaches. First, the woman shows that it is possible to approach Jesus through pure and generous devotion. Her act of anointing at the dinner table is a gesture of paying homage to the most adorable person she has found in her life. Her devotion is not only personally motivated but also divinely inspired because it fulfils the words of the Psalmist: “…you anoint my head …” (Ps 23:5). Jesus appreciates the woman’s act. Second, the disciples in this event relate with Jesus and His unnamed woman devotee in a quite rational manner. They calculate the price for the ointment as one year’s wages, which they think is a significant amount for helping the poor. In thinking so, they are following Jesus’ earlier teaching that one must sell all that one has and give to the poor (Mt 19:21). Jesus, however, opposes the disciples’ quick insight that puts devotion to the Lord against love for the poor. Third, Jesus takes the anointing as a preparation for His Passover, which, as He knew, would take place at Jerusalem, just three kilometres away from Bethany where event happens. In the history of Israel, kings were anointed as part of their enthronement (1 Sam 16:1-13; 2 Kings 9:1-13). However, Jesus’ explicit reference to His burial forbids us from thinking about the beginning of Jesus’ rule in triumphalist terms. He is the Saviour, a suffering Saviour. These three distinct approaches show that discipleship unfolds in different ways and levels. The Christ who suffers is the poorest of the poor. Nothing shall ever separate a disciple from loving Christ personally and passionately.

Prayer
Lord, I thank you for this very instructive event in the Gospel. The unnamed woman who offered you all her emotional and financial resources surprises me. She is overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Nothing stops her from showing her love for you. She pours her whole being on to you. Lord, there are very many similarly devoted men and women in the Church today. But, there have been moments when I have terribly upset them with my critical theological remarks. Lord, I realize with tears that I loved more the Gospel-values than your very person revealed in the Gospels. May a passionate love for the poor one on the cross teach me how to care for the poor ones around me. Oh, crucified love, you are the measure of all my loves.

Contemplation
The disciples seem to be preoccupied with the formal aspects of the governance of the new kingdom that Jesus will soon establish. For a moment, they turn insensitive to the woman who makes a great act of love and sacrifice. Sit back and look at the cross. Leave all formal questions and concerns behind you. Cultivate sensitivity. Let love overflow.

Action
In order to suffer with all suffering servants of God, and, thus, to grow in true love, participate in the Holy Week liturgies with extraordinary devotion. Decide not to despise simple and poor devotees of the Lord.

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