Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha did something rather shocking in the gospel: she poured over the feet of Jesus very expensive aromatic oil and dried them with her hair. I’d say that’s pretty lavish and sensual, the latter word makes many of us uncomfortable when connected with Jesus. Very sad. As Judas sarcastically comments, she should have used this costly oil for the poor, this coming from a man about to betray Jesus with money. “The poor you will always have with you,” responds Jesus. What we do for love...
What we do for love....besides being a verse in a popular Broadway show....is a phrase we ought to ponder in our prayer. Magnificent , extravagant things have been done out of love. Every parent will go to the most extreme lengths to protect their children and make certain their futures are secure. My grandfather left his home in Sicily to create a new home in American out of love for his family. This process of emigration was long, difficult and even dangerous. I visited Ellis Island and saw for myself the meticulous records of the various transAtlantic crossings. What we do for love....
As I look out from any vantage point, I see the many beautiful churches throughout the city of Chicago that give definition to the horizon. These edifices of faith were built from the money of these immigrants who labored hard, a part of the working class. They could have used the money for more practical things, which would be understandable, to a point. But no, they wanted to do something extreme, bold and wonderful: help to build a building for God, to give Him praise. This was a way to show gratitude for their life journeys to a land of promise. What we do for love...
Jesus left the home of Mary, the pourer of the oil, Martha, who knew how to make wonderful meals, andLazarus, the one he just raised from the tomb... and made his way to Jerusalem, a trial, condemnation, suffering, rejection, Calvary, the Cross, crucifixion, death. What we do for love....
Peace,
Fr. Frank