The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Florante Camacho SVD – Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City Bohol
Holy Monday – Holy Week
Introduction
Today’s Gospel presents two striking figures: Mary of Bethany and Judas Iscariot. Mary, in an extraordinary act of love, pours out her prized perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair. Judas, in contrast, criticizes her, calculating how much money could have been gained had the perfume been sold. Their actions reveal two very different hearts: Mary’s love for Jesus, and Judas’ love for money.
Mary’s Extravagant Love
Mary’s gesture was costly, but love is never cheap. She gave her best to Jesus, not holding back. Her act foreshadows Jesus’ own self-giving on the cross — total, extravagant love poured out for us. Mary teaches us that true discipleship means offering our time, treasure, and very selves to Christ.
Judas’ Calculating Heart
Judas, though outwardly a disciple, reveals a heart attached to worldly gain. His criticism shows how misplaced priorities can blind us to the beauty of devotion. His love for money outweighed his love for Jesus, leading ultimately to betrayal.
Our Call Today
This contrast is repeated daily in our Christian lives. Many profess faith, yet spend more time chasing comfort and pleasure than honoring God. Some barely give Him an hour a week. Will we wait until our dying moments to declare our love for Him? Or will we, like Mary, pour out our devotion now?
Conclusion
Mary’s perfume reminds us to “pour” precious time with God each day — in prayer, in quiet moments, in acts of love. Let us not be like Judas, calculating what we lose, but like Mary, rejoicing in what we give.
“Lord Jesus, teach me to love You extravagantly, to give You my best, and to spend time daily in Your presence.”
