To Anoint or to Betray

I find it fascinating that in half of the Gospels - Matthew and Mark - Judas’ betrayal of Jesus is immediately following the anointing in Bethany. The abrupt switch from worship to idolatry is shocking, but admittedly relatable. These actions of Mary of Bethany and Judas Iscariot can help us examine our own hearts.

Mary didn’t count the cost of her love of Jesus.  In fact, it was the others who pointed out its value.  Judas, on the other hand, calculated what his friendship with Jesus was worth. “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” he asked (Mt 26:15).

Mary looked for an opportune time to anoint Jesus. I think she was attentive to Jesus as his loyal friend and knew that when he was reclining at table, he could rest and receive her love.  Judas only “looked for an opportunity to hand him over” (Mt 26:16) and was attentive only enough to take, rather than to give.

Perhaps we, too, have the choice to either anoint Jesus or betray him. This decision can sometimes be made moment to moment. Let’s not fool ourselves - we betray Jesus, too. We can exchange too much - or really, too little - for his love. Yet Jesus still gives it all for us.

May we desire to break the jar (see Mk 14:3), and not his Sacred Heart.