Reflection On John 12: 1-11



It’s only a couple of miles from Jerusalem to Bethany following the caravan road. Jesus must have gone there often to visit. We clearly recall the one day He was there when Martha complained about Mary’s sitting at His feet and not helping with the housework. Jesus came back another time to raise their brother Lazarus from the dead. Today’s Gospel places Jesus back in Bethany once more, this time to celebrate a “return to life” party for Lazarus. Notice how everyone is doing what he or she does best. Martha is serving the meal. Lazarus is simply sitting there quietly – he never speaks in the Scriptures. Mary is again at the feet of Jesus, anointing Him with oil while Jesus is leisurely addressing the assembled guests. Everyone is acting naturally, doing the things the most enjoy and sharing with one another. We, too, are people of many divergent tastes. Our natural and spiritual talents are different, but they are all gifts to the community. Jesus did not expect Lazarus to anoint His feet with perfumed oil, or Mary to prepare the lunch, or Martha to sit calmly at His feet and talk. It’s a wonderful picture of how we should all be in the presence of the Lord – simply ourselves and feeling good about it.
Jesus knew very well that His earthly life is coming to an end. But it is not disturbing Him and distracting Him. This gathering with the family He loved very much was an occasion for Him to cherish once again the joy and intimacy He left in their company. The presence of Lazarus would have reminded Him of the power of His Father to give Him life after death; a life in which death has no power over him. Jesus is teaching us the need to live a life of fullness ‘here and now.’ as it is said, “Yesterday is a history; tomorrow is a mystery and today is Present’ so live in the presence and enjoy it. The fact that He will be betrayed within a few days by one of His disciples does not cast shadow on the present moment of Jesus; he is living fully in the present.  How richer our lives would become if we know how to live our lives fully here and now!

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