MARY’S PERFUME

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. – John 12:3

A Filipina pop singer was having a concert in Vegas, and from the crowd a fan shouted to her, “I love you, Sarah!” Smiling, she turned to this guy and asked, “Really? What are you willing to do for me?”

Wow! That question is an accurate yardstick of true love.

Genuine love is always extravagant. It’s always willing to do anything and everything for the beloved. It gives nothing less than the best. It never calculates the cost. It knows no limits. It gives its all, and its only regret is that it doesn’t have any more to give.

Mary took the most precious thing she possessed and spent it all on Jesus. You know why this is a powerful story of love? First, because Mary understood love. Second, the one she loves deserves all that she can give.

My friend, maybe your love story is lousy, either because you don’t know how to love or the one you love doesn’t deserve your highest gift. Here’s my simple advice: If you’re looking for someone to give your life to, give it to Someone who gave you His life. Give your all to Jesus today. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

Reflect: What is it that Jesus wants you to offer to Him today that you still selfishly keep to yourself? Friend, today, you will be set free.

Jesus, let me know Your love today in an entirely new way. Then my heart will no longer hold anything back.

Blessed Caesar de Bus, pray for us.

Our self-esteem is fragile. Today’s reading tells us that the servant of God will not push a person beyond his strength nor his capacity to cope with life’s challenges. This is a good guide for us who lead people in some way. The best leaders know their people and are willing to work around their weaknesses and rely on their strengths.

Isaiah 42:1-7

1 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, 2 not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, 4 until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. 5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spreads out the earth with its crops, who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it: 6 I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14

R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 2 When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies themselves stumble and fall. (R) 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. (R)

GOSPEL

It is important for the Church to reflect on Jesus’ words: “You will always have the poor with you.” The Church is the faithful people, and more importantly, those who are poor. A community fails to be the Church if it does not have a social action arm that reaches out to the marginalized of our society. The Church must have love for those who most need it. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults.

John 12:1-11

1 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 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. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” 6 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. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 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. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

think: Who is the poor in your home, community, office, and parish that Jesus wants you to reach out to? How will you do this?

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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST 

Read the Bible in one year - Leviticus 10-12