give and take
"She anointed Jesus' feet. Then she dried His feet with her hair." —John 12:3
Mary of Bethany gladly poured out a year's salary on Jesus' feet (Jn 12:3, 5). Martha joyfully spared no labor or expense to throw a large banquet for Jesus (Jn 12:2). The magi braved many months of hardship, danger, and travel to bring expensive gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense to Jesus, along with their love and homage (Mt 2:11). For each of these, the prospect of being allowed to give to Jesus outweighed any cost or inconvenience.
Judas saw things differently. He didn't give to Jesus. Instead, he took from Jesus. He took Jesus' money, helping "himself to what" others gave to Jesus (Jn 12:6). He took advantage of the position that Jesus gave him as a disciple, saying to the chief priests: " 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' They paid him thirty pieces of silver" (Mt 26:15). Judas took all the lessons Jesus lovingly taught His disciples during the last precious days of His life, which we call Holy Week, and trashed them. That's because Judas spent Holy Week "looking for an opportunity to hand [Jesus] over" (Mt 26:16) instead of listening to Jesus.
What are your plans for Holy Week? Will you give to Jesus or take from Him? If you're going to take from Jesus, "take" His eucharistic body (Mt 26:26), especially on Holy Thursday. Take time to adore Him. Take Him at His word. Take your life and give it to Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, You gave Your life for me. I give my life to
Promise: You. "Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear." —Ps 27:3
Praise: Arthur graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. He then strongly heard God call him to become a priest. Newly ordained, He now gladly gives his talents to God as Fr. Arthur.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
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