33rd day of Lent- John 12:1-8

⁴ But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ⁵ “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” ⁶ (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.) ⁷ Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. ⁸ You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12:4-8

Obviously, Judas had impure motives when he criticized Mary for using her expensive perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus.  Had the perfume been sold, the proceeds would have gone into the common purse, which meant more money for Judas to skim for himself from that purse.   But the question he raises, "could not that money have been  better used by giving it to the poor?" is a common one.  "Why did you take those kids on that mission trip?  Could not that money have been better used by giving it to the poor?"  "Why did you buy that new silver communion set? Could not that money have been better used by giving it to the poor?" These are good questions that make us think about being good stewards of the resources God has given us.  But Jesus does not agree with Judas' criticism.  As Bishop Holmerud says in today's devotion, "Jesus invites Judas Iscariot (and us) to see Mary and her act of love and hospitality in a new light."  Those mission trips I've been on can be life changing, both for myself and the youth.  The cost of the trip pays dividends down the road as a whole group of people see the world differently, see the needs in a new light, and give their time, talents, gifts, and prayers to help others in need.  And how do you place a value on a communion set, which holds Christ's body and blood, giving renewed strength to so many to serve God in the world?  In Mary's extravagant act of devotion,  she models for us generosity for those in need.  May our eyes be opened to new ways of seeing, and new ways of giving, so that God's love may be poured out into the world.