Holy Week, Monday – Is 42:1-7; Ps 27: 1-3.13-14; John 12:1-11

Why such waste? To pour a precious pint of costly oil over someone’s feet seems extravagant, doesn’t it? I often find myself grappling with similar questions. I convert that act of generosity into monetary terms, pondering the good that these funds could achieve. Yet, I’m not considering my own money; I’m thinking of someone else’s.

But allow me to pose a different question: what is the purpose of possessing such valuable oil in the first place? Isn’t it meant to be used, to be shared, to express love in the moment we desire? This wasn’t simply a financial investment for a struggling family; Mary offered this oil to her Master out of sheer love and abundance. She had the means to make such a gesture, and what a beautiful outpouring of affection it was.

In the past, she invested in the producer of that oil, perhaps contributing to their livelihood. That transaction may have fed the children of a seller or offered support to a family in need. Now, someone might argue that this oil has gone to waste. However, it is likely that some recipient will benefit a second time; indeed, there is something much deeper at play.

As Mary carried that oil, the world shone with the light of celebration for her. Why did Judas seek to extinguish her joy? Why reduce her act of friendship to mere coins? Did he consider how many hungry mouths could be fed with the abundant leftovers he himself enjoyed at lavish feasts? There is importance in those moments where we invest in our friendships, where we create beautiful experiences around a dinner table. Why should we frown upon investing in relationships and joy?

Goodness has many names. If we confined it solely to acts of charity, how would we repay those who bless us with their help? If every penny I spend fosters some form of goodness, then that is enough. There’s no need to lament that resources could have been allocated differently. Even if the next pair of trousers or that cappuccino in the café wasn’t essential for my survival, these small pleasures play a role in the richness of life we all seek.

And let us face a reality: no matter how generous we strive to be with our resources, those poorer than us will always exist among us.

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to use money wisely. May every pound I earn or spend serve to multiply goodness, whether it’s through cherished moments with friends or helping hands extended to those in need. Grant me a generous heart, free of jealousy towards those who may spend more.

Examination of Conscience
How much of what I possess am I willing to give to Jesus?
What portion of my resources am I dedicating to worthy causes?
Am I at times a miser, begrudging others their abundance?

Following the Saints
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I dedicate my life to You. If it is for Your glory that I must suffer to draw closer to You, so be it. Yet, I ask that my parents find their place beside me in Your Kingdom. (Adapted from Blessed Ivan Merz)

Let’s embrace the beauty of generosity, knowing that, in sharing, we create bonds of love and community that nourish both heart and spirit.