JOHN 12:1–11, THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
LOVE THAT RECOGNIZES THE HOUR OF SACRIFICE
Introduction
This Gospel passage unfolds quietly yet powerfully on the threshold of Jesus’ Passion. Just six days before Passover, while death is already being plotted in Jerusalem, Jesus is welcomed in Bethany by friends who love him. The setting is intimate: a shared meal, simple service, profound devotion, and hidden betrayal. What happens at Bethany is not a miracle of power but a revelation of love. In Mary’s gesture of anointing, the Church sees faith that understands what others refuse to see—the approaching hour of Jesus’ self-giving death.
Bible Passage (John 12:1–11)
Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Then Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
Background
Bethany, located just outside Jerusalem, becomes a place of refuge for Jesus as opposition intensifies. The meal anticipates the Last Supper but differs in tone—here there is gratitude, love, and intimacy. The presence of Lazarus, once dead and now alive, is itself a living sign. This scene also sharpens the contrast between genuine discipleship and false concern, between loving surrender and calculating betrayal.
Opening Life Connection
In moments of crisis, people reveal what truly matters to them. Some respond with generosity and love; others hide selfishness behind good-sounding words. We too face moments when devotion seems wasteful to the world, and when faith is questioned by those closest to us. This Gospel invites us to ask: what is the value of love, and how do we respond when the Lord is near?
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
The Evangelist carefully notes six days before Passover, reminding us that everything now moves toward the cross. Jesus comes to Bethany, the home marked by resurrection. Lazarus, once wrapped in burial cloths, now reclines at table with Jesus. Life and death meet in quiet harmony. His presence silently proclaims the power of Jesus over the grave.
Martha is described simply: Martha served. Her service is faithful, practical, and loving. She does not seek attention. True discipleship often appears in ordinary acts done with love. Then Mary steps forward with a bold, extravagant gesture. She takes costly perfumed oil and anoints the feet of Jesus, drying them with her hair. This is an act of deep humility and intimacy. In Jewish culture, a woman’s hair was her dignity; Mary lays it down in love. The detail that the house was filled with the fragrance suggests that true love leaves a lasting presence. Genuine devotion never remains private; it transforms the atmosphere.
Into this moment of beauty enters Judas. His words sound reasonable, even virtuous: concern for the poor. But John unmasks the truth: not because he cared about the poor. Judas represents a heart that measures love, calculates cost, and hides greed behind moral language. His objection is not about charity but control. Love that cannot be quantified disturbs those who live by calculation.
Jesus’ response is firm and protective: leave her alone. He defends love against hypocrisy. He interprets Mary’s action prophetically: for the day of my burial. Without fully understanding it, Mary has prepared Jesus for death. Love sees what fear refuses to face. When Jesus says you do not always have me, he is not dismissing the poor, but revealing the urgency of the moment. There are times when worship must come before calculation, when love must be poured out without reserve.
The final verses return to tension. The crowd comes not only to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus. Life itself becomes a threat to those who resist truth. Shockingly, the leaders now plan to kill Lazarus too. Hatred grows when evidence cannot be denied. The miracle that leads many to faith becomes a reason for deeper opposition. Light always exposes darkness.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Anointing was associated with kingship, priesthood, and burial. Nard was imported and extremely expensive, often reserved for sacred occasions. Hosting a meal was a sign of honor and loyalty. At the same time, messianic expectations intensified as Passover approached, heightening fear among the authorities.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church sees in Mary’s act a model of true worship—total self-giving in response to Christ’s self-giving. Her gesture anticipates the anointing of Jesus’ body after death. The Catechism teaches that love of the poor and worship of God are inseparable, but never opposed. Authentic charity flows from adoration.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saints across history have been criticized for “wasting” their lives on God—through prayer, poverty, or sacrifice. Yet their love, like Mary’s perfume, continues to fill the Church with fragrance long after practical arguments fade.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges utilitarian faith that asks, “What is the use?” Love for Christ is never a waste. It also warns us against disguising selfishness as concern for justice. Finally, it invites us to examine whether our presence, like Mary’s devotion, brings the fragrance of Christ into our homes and communities.
Eucharistic Connection
At every Mass, Christ is present as he was in Bethany. We come not to calculate cost, but to pour out our hearts in gratitude. The Eucharist is Christ’s own self-gift, and our response is loving surrender. Like Mary, we are invited to offer ourselves without reserve.
Messages / Call to Conversion
-
I will offer Christ my love freely, without calculation or fear.
-
I will repent of hidden selfishness masked as virtue.
-
I will recognize moments when worship must take priority.
-
I will allow my faith to fill my home and life with the fragrance of Christ.
-
I resolve to stand with Jesus, even when love is misunderstood or criticized.
Outline for Preachers
-
Context: six days before Passover, after the raising of Lazarus
-
Life contrast: generous love versus calculated concern
-
Key phrases explained: six days before Passover, anointed the feet of Jesus, the house was filled with fragrance, leave her alone
-
Jewish customs of anointing and burial
-
Catholic teaching on worship, charity, and devotion
-
Witness of saints who “wasted” their lives for God
-
Eucharist as supreme act of loving self-gift
-
Call to conversion: love without measure, faith without fear
