Today’s Gospel recalls John’s account of Mary anointing Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1-9).

While Martha is busy serving, Mary offers total attention to Jesus by taking costly perfumed oil and anointing the feet of Jesus and, then, drying them with her hair (v. 3). What great love of God is on full display, so much so that the oil’s fragrance filled the entire house. In this way, Mary represents those souls who dare to forgo their own designs for love of God and love of neighbor.

Such complete consecration to God is scorned as wasteful by those who fail to understand it, although the same total offering if done for a worldly pursuit – for example, acting, athletics or business – would be esteemed and praised.

If everything we are and all that we have truly are God’s gifts, can it be a waste to offer ourselves to God?

Jesus validates Mary’s action as pure love and faithful devotion: “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial” (v. 7).

Lord God, let me offer You a heart like Mary’s!