When Jesus entered the house of Lazarus, Mary the sister of Lazarus started to anoint Jesus’ feet with costly ointment. The fragrance of this ointment filled the whole room. Judas complained that this was an economic waste and suggested that the oil be sold and the money given to the poor. Judas, being a capitalist, wanted to use a humanitarian means to achieve a selfish materialistic end.
Like Judas, many people pretend to care for the poor while in reality they are seeking for their own gain. Today in our country, there are so many Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) who enrich themselves under the guise of charity. Are you among those who pretend to be helping others but end up exploiting them? Do you give with strings attached? Do you use charity to have your way to satisfy your uncontrollable desires?
Today, God is calling us to emulate Mary who loved Jesus in truth. Loving Jesus should be our priority. When we love Jesus, we see him in the poor, the sick, the homeless, the naked, and in fact, all our neighbors. Spread love everywhere you go; let the fragrance of your love fill the whole place you happen to be. Let us learn to do charity in truth, not as a means to any selfish end.
