To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Reflection for Monday, April 14, 2025
Frivolity or Absolute Necessity?
It’s fascinating that on Holy Monday, the focus of the story revolves around a perfume—an expensive one, whose fragrance fills the entire house. At first glance, it might seem a bit frivolous. Judas thought so too—not only frivolous but excessively costly. Wouldn’t that money be better spent helping the poor? Yet, God’s logic reveals that this act is already deeply invested in the promise of salvation for all, including the poor. In truth, it goes far beyond mere frivolity; it’s both essential and indispensable.
What if this perfume symbolizes the acknowledgment of the Servant of Yahweh, as mentioned in the first reading? What if it represents the anointing for the Savior’s impending death? The cross and the tomb, after all, cost far more. Christ, anointed by the Father, is now anointed by a woman with little prestige—symbolizing humanity’s recognition of Him. She gives all she has for this anointing; it costs her dearly. Yet, the fragrance fills the house, marking the recognition of the Messiah, the embrace of the mystery of His death, and the proclamation of His Resurrection.
What if we, too, were to give everything we have—our entire lives—to be like that perfume, acknowledging Christ as the Anointed One and seeing redemption as humanity’s only hope? What if our personal commitment could fill the world with the fragrance of Christ?
Giving everything means sacrificing time, money, effort, self-denial, confessing the truth, undergoing conversion, transforming our lives, and living passionately. This is precisely what genuinely supports the poor Judas claimed to care about.
Such dedication might invite criticism, disapproval, or even persecution. The critique that we are unworthy of such devotion would be accurate—and that very truth is what makes it even more meaningful: it is God Himself who accepts and bestows value upon it. This participation in the mystery of Redemption echoes what Paul later expressed, “I complete in my flesh what is lacking in the Passion.” Of course, nothing is truly lacking in the Passion of God’s Anointed One. Yet, through our anointing, we become part of His Body—even if it costs us dearly.