Six days before Passover, Mary took costly perfume worth a year's wages and anointed Jesus' feet, filling the house with fragrance. While Judas objected, claiming concern for the poor, Jesus defended her act of devotion: "Leave her alone. She has kept this perfume for my burial."
In this profound moment from John's Gospel, we witness true worship. Mary's gift wasn't calculated—it was extravagant, personal, and given without reservation. She knelt before Jesus, using what was most precious to honor him, unmoved by criticism or judgment.
How often do we hold back in our own giving? Do we measure our generosity by what we might receive in return? Mary teaches us that authentic love requires sacrifice, a willingness to pour ourselves out completely.
Perhaps you've never given away a car or substantial money, but Jesus calls us to examine what we truly value. That major (sort of selfish) purchase you've been saving for... the vacation (all for you) fund... that investment account that lights up your eyes seeing those huge numbers... even your precious time. What might happen if you redirected these treasures toward someone in genuine need? Maybe even give someone a blessing they would have never ever expected, answer prayers just maybe they have had asking Jesus for a "break" through the month to month struggle living. If we live our lives all about "me", when we die, and before Jesus, it'll never ever be about "Him". Now is the time to be humble and charitable.
The most beautiful aspect of Mary's gift wasn't its monetary worth but that she gave it without expectation. She sought no recognition, no reward - only to express her deep love for the Lord who had given her so much.
This Holy Week, let us follow Mary's example. Find something of real value to you - something that costs you something - and give it freely. Pay someone's car off for them! Pay 6 months' rent for a family.! Fill someone's freezer with food.! Help a friend get to chemo every time for 6 months. Whether comforting someone in grief, providing food to the hungry, or sharing resources with those struggling, give as Mary did: lavishly and expecting nothing in return.
In this sacred exchange, you'll discover what Mary knew: when we give sacrificially out of love for Jesus Christ, we receive something far greater—a heart transformed by grace and joined more deeply to our Lord.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
