Monday of Holy Week
Isa 42:1-7
Jn 12:1-11
Mary brought in a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair…
Whenever Martha and Mary are mentioned in the Bible, I’ve always related more to Martha. In Luke 10:38–41, after opening her home to Jesus, Martha complained about having to do all the preparations while her sister Mary sat at His feet. But instead of being acknowledged for her service, Martha was gently rebuked — Jesus told her that Mary had chosen the better part.
As someone with a ‘do-er’ personality, always busy with an endless ‘to-do’ list, I empathised with Martha. It often felt like she gave us ‘do-ers’ a bad name. Wasn’t hospitality expected of the host? If she didn’t prepare the food or serve the guests, who would? Isn’t there value in, and love shown through that kind of service too?
In today’s Gospel, Martha is once again seen serving, offering hospitality to Jesus and those dining in her home. But Mary doesn’t simply sit at Jesus’ feet this time — she does something extraordinary. She brings in a jar of expensive perfume, anoints Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair.
Her action made me pause. While foot washing was customary as a gesture of hospitality in those days — often done by servants or through water provided at the door — Mary’s act was excessive, extravagant, and to some (like Judas), even scandalous. Why did she perform such an extreme gesture?
The first thing that struck me was her love for Jesus, seen through her generosity. The perfume was worth a year’s wages, yet she unreservedly poured it onto Jesus’ feet as a sign of her lavish love. Do I put a price tag on my love for Jesus? Do I count the cost when I give my time, energy, or resources to Him? And if I do, what does that say about the depth of my love?
Then there was the wiping of Jesus’ feet with her hair – an act of deep humility. Being a self-professed clean freak, I admit I cringed at the thought. Imagine the dirt and grime accumulated from walking in sandals all day! And yet, these are the feet of my Lord. What does it say about my devotion if I am not willing to humble myself and get out of my comfort zone for Him?
Finally, Mary’s action was not done out of duty or social expectation – it was an act of pure, unreserved devotion. She honoured Jesus not by doing what was needed, but by doing what expressed the fullness of her love.
This scripture passage made me reflect on my own generosity, humility and love for Jesus. I confess I still find it easier to do what’s expected, to tick off boxes and follow rules. It’s harder to love extravagantly, to act from the heart, to choose what is unseen and unmeasured.
As we begin Holy Week, I ask myself — What does it mean for me to walk with Jesus to Calvary? Jesus loved me so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice; may I, like Mary, give Him my unreserved devotion. While I may not face persecution or martyrdom for my faith, I am reminded that each day holds countless opportunities for me to go beyond what is expected, to offer more than what is convenient, and to serve with my whole heart.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Esther Leet)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to love You with the same boldness and abandonment as Mary. Help me to pour out the best of what I have — not out of duty, but out of love. Help me to serve You not just with my hands, but with my whole heart. As I journey through Holy Week, give me the grace to walk beside You with generosity, humility, and love. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for the many blessings You have poured into my life. Thank You for Mary’s example of wholehearted love, and for showing me how I can use the gifts You’ve given me to serve You in generosity, humility, and love. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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