JOHN 12:1–8
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY: LOVE THAT PREPARES FOR BURIAL
Text – John 12:1–8
1 Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said,
5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?”
6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.
7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Bethany, the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, had become a place of hospitality and deep friendship for Jesus. Anointing with perfumed oil was a gesture of honor, hospitality, and love, often associated with kingship and burial. Nard was an expensive imported perfume, indicating extravagant devotion. A woman loosening her hair in public was culturally shocking, highlighting the total self-gift of Mary’s act. The criticism echoes common social concerns for almsgiving, but Jesus reveals a deeper meaning rooted in the approaching Passion.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals love that perceives the mystery of the Cross before it unfolds. Catholic theology sees Mary’s act as prophetic: she anoints Jesus in anticipation of His burial. True love is shown not by calculation but by generous devotion to Christ. Judas’ false concern for the poor exposes hypocrisy, while Jesus affirms that love of God and care for the poor are not opposed but ordered rightly. The passage also points to the sacrificial nature of worship—offering what is precious to God without reserve.
Parallels in Scripture
1 Samuel 16:13 – Anointing of the king.
Psalm 45:8 – Fragrance and royal anointing.
Matthew 26:6–13 – Anointing at Bethany.
Mark 14:3–9 – Preparation for burial.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A time for every purpose.
Key Terms
Six days before Passover – Nearness of the Passion.
Nard – Costly devotion.
Anointed – Messianic and burial symbolism.
Fragrance – Love filling the house.
Burial – Preparation for the Cross.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Holy Week and near the end of Lent. The Church presents Mary as a model of contemplative love and self-giving worship, inviting believers to offer Christ their best before all else.
Conclusion
John 12:1–8 reveals love that understands the heart of Christ. While others calculate cost, Mary gives extravagantly, preparing Jesus for His burial. Her act stands as a timeless witness that love poured out for Christ is never wasted.
Reflection
Do I offer Christ my best, or only what is convenient?
Do I recognize moments when love calls for generosity beyond calculation?
How does my devotion prepare my heart for the mystery of the Cross?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, accept the offering of my heart as Mary offered her precious oil. Teach me to love You without reserve and to recognize the sacred moments when You ask for my whole self. May my life be a fragrance of love pleasing to You. Amen.