John 12:1-11
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 12:1-11 imagining you are in the room seeing, smelling and experiencing the events.
It must be such a sweet reunion, and it’s easy to imagine that the mood is nothing short of giddy considering that the very-much-alive Lazarus is there reclining at the table. In the midst of this joyous scene, Mary and Martha each express their overflowing love for Jesus in their own way.
Martha, whose trust in Jesus never faltered, gives her very best serving him with good food and warm welcome. Mary, whose faith wavered when all seemed lost, now basks in Jesus’ unmerited mercy and grace. In an uninhibited display of gratitude and love, she pours out a full pint of expensive perfume onto his feet and wipes the excess away with her own hair.
Jesus has more than part of these women’s hearts and lives – he is their life.
Stop to think about the ways Jesus has shown you forgiveness, grace, mercy and love. Spend a moment or two thanking him. You can simply complete the sentence, “Thank you Jesus for…” over and over.
Read John 12:1-11 again noting the stark contrast between Mary’s extravagance and Judas’ greed.
Just days ago, the stench of death filled the air when the stone was first rolled from Lazarus’ tomb. Now the fragrance of extravagant love fills the room. Those who’ve experienced the forgiveness and grace of Jesus are much more likely to understand their desperate need for him. And they are much more likely to understand that everything they own is given by God through the sheer grace of Jesus.
Judas’ lack of repentance for his thievery keeps him locked in a tomb of his own making. His greed and his sin blind him to his need for Jesus’ mercy. He cannot comprehend the ocean of grace that is available to him even now if he would only recognize his need and turn to Jesus in repentance.
Get quiet for a moment and consider whether there is anything in your life that is keeping you from experiencing the immense grace of Jesus. Is there an attitude, a secret sin, a habit that you are afraid to bring into Jesus’ light? Talk to Jesus about this.
The people in the room that day were about to experience the physical absence of Jesus, but their opportunity to show their love for him by caring for the poor would always be there. As you end this time of meditation, prayerfully read the words of Mother Teresa below. If you sense Jesus inviting you to do something, be sure to follow through.
“Seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, all the time, and his hand in every happening; This is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world. Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus, especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor.” ― Mother Teresa, In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers
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