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Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Holy Week (21st March, 2016) on the Gospel
 

Is 42:1-7;
Ps 26:1-3.13-14 (R.v.1);
Jn 12:1-11.

Topic: Tame your Judas now.

Few days before going up to Jerusalem for the Passover, Jesus visited the house of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Martha as usual served at the table and Lazarus was one of those at the table with Jesus. And “Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” Judas Iscariot who could not hold himself reacted, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii[1] and the money given to the poor?” Jesus said to him, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me”

One could easily think that Judas’ suggestion ought to have been given a thought. However, the gospel also tells us of Judas’ intention, “He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.”

Each and every one of us has wonderful plans of how to ‘better’ a lot of things. But why do we want things better – for the common good or to feed the Judas in us? Remember, “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles” (Matt 15:18). Again, “...the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs” (1Tim 6:10). If we do not purify our intentions, what would have brought commendation might end up bringing condemnation. Be careful. We all have Judas in us. However, the difference lies in who controls each person, Holy Spirit or the Judas.

Bible Reading: Matt 15:1-20.

Thought for today: Does your word represent your intention?

Let us pray: God, help us to think of the good to be done and to accomplish it – Amen.

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[1] Three hundred denarii would be nearly a year’s wages for a laborer (NRSV).

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