The Path to Glory is Set: At this point in John’s Gospel Jesus’s relationship with His followers and with His enemies have reached a frantic pitch.
The supreme Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, have met and decided that for them to stay on the right side of Roman power, Jesus must die. The High Priest Caiaphas says, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” John 11: 50-51
The understanding and motives of Jesus’s followers are even more complicated. Some proclaim Him as an earthly Messiah, a second David riding into Jerusalem to overthrow Roman rule. Others doubted Him “Although He had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him.” John 12: 37 Other disciples believed but hid their belief out of fear. “Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.” John 12: 42-43 Even among Jesus’s twelve Apostles confusion and dark thoughts of betrayal rein.
The Roman authorities are watchful, implacable, and brutal. Nothing can stand in their way of command and collection of tribute.
In his ministry Jesus has traveled through all of Israel; Galilee, Samaria and Judaea. He has visited Jerusalem for previous Passover celebrations. But this time is different. Jesus knows His time has come and what is about to happen to Him. Even so, “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51
A Final Dinner with Beloved Friends
The day before His triumphant Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem Jesus stops in Bethany for dinner with His beloved Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Martha serves dinner – this time with no complaints – and Mary makes an extravagant gift of perfume. Some at the dinner table chide Mary for this expensive, and to them, wasteful gift.
Pazzo d’Amore
But Jesus sees to the heart of Mary’s exquisite gift of love. She has given her best in an outward sign to show the depths of her inner belief in Christ. She anoints His feet and dries them with her hair in a total surrender of docile humility. Mary understands we can add nothing to God. Our only response to His goodness and generosity is our complete abandonment to His will.
Mary’s human gift reflects the perfect gift that Christ will soon make of Himself. In obedience to His Father’s will Christ allows Himself to suffer pain, humiliation and death on a cross to redeem us from our sinfulness.
The Lord’s Passion provides the most vivid example of God’s irrational and extravagant love for humanity. Despite our misunderstanding, doubts, and betrayals Christ was so eager to save us that Catherine of Siena says he was “running like a blind and drunk man” toward the cross.
Very nice! THank you.