On this Monday in Holy Week, we hear from the Gospel according to John for our Eucharistic readings. Today’s Gospel takes places after Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead:
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (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.) Jesus said, "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." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. (Jn. 12:1-11).
I have often heard certain Christian churches use this passage as support for the argument that the church should not be criticized for possessing many and wonderfully great buildings and an accumulation of priceless works of art, after all, Jesus says, “You always have the poor with you.” I do not think this is what the passage is saying.
Let’s look at the whole context. First, Mary makes it a gift to Jesus. Second, the statement about selling the perfume so the money could be given to the poor comes from Judas, and the passage states: “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.” Judas wanted the money for himself. Third, Jesus’ statement is to Judas, who is reminded by Jesus that Judas is not concerned for the poor, Jesus was about to be betrayed by Judas, and Jesus was going to die.
Let us pray: Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Holy Week Schedule:
Wednesday at 6 PM, The Rule of Life, at Trinity, the Rev. Bob Flick.
Maundy Thursday, 6 PM, foot washing, Eucharist, stripping of the altar.
Good Friday, 12 noon, Good Friday Service.
Michael Harvey
A Galveston Island Episcopal Event
All are invited
Tuesday, April 28th
7:00 PM
at St. Augustine of Hippo
(1410 41st Street)
Michael Harvey will be joining us on the Island all the way from Great Britain. He is the founder of Back to Church Sunday, a day we have dubbed in the Diocese of Texas as Invitation Sunday. Michael has spoken across 17 countries and 5 continents about the power of invitation and ministry to visitors and newcomers. He has written the book, Unlocking the Growth which addresses the power of invitation and the potential for the church. He has recently been inducted into the College of Evangelists and become a Visiting Fellow of St. John’s College of Durham University. His humorous and engaging presentation style challenges the individual to simply invite others to church. He presented and was enthusiastically received at past Warden and Vestry Conferences, other churches and last year’s clergy conference. He is back by the invitation of Bishop Doyle and we are thrilled to have him with us for this Galveston Island Episcopal Event. You are invited. Invite others to come to this great event!
Bigmista& Friends BBQ on Saturday, 2 May.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Susan, Liz, Angela, those in the Middle East.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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