Scripture:
Reflection:
The gospel story feels like Act II of a riveting play. The formerly dead Lazarus is very much alive, dining with Jesus and his family. His sister Mary lovingly anoints Jesus’ feet. Even Judas is present, complaining about the cost of the oil. He missed its deeper meaning.
For three years, Jesus connected with everyone, rich and poor alike. He challenged powerful, hypocritical religious leaders and found real joy hanging with humble fishermen.
The crucifixion was a brutal reality, so his choosing expensive oils for burial had to surprise a few people. On those same lines, Joseph of Arimathea, a devoted follower, later offered his own costly tomb. In our time, especially now that inexpensive cremation has become so common, the gift of a family burial plot would still be huge.
My family has a few hundred square yards of lawn in a southwestern Pennsylvania cemetery. About 80 years ago, a non-family member was given a single plot. The tombstone reads, “To Henry Smith, Daniel McQuain’s Best Friend.” Henry must have been quite a guy.
I find comfort in Mass readings, like today’s, that reflect our earthly reality. Utopia doesn’t exist; wealth and poverty are constant companions. Good and evil, cruelty and kindness are always near. But we can clearly see that choosing Jesus’ way offers strength and joy through life’s struggles. Though our time on earth is finite, we know how to build strength for confronting suffering well on earth and legitimately hope for a smile on our faces when we get to knock at heaven’s gate.
Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assist those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.