Lenten Reflection on John 12:1-8
The writer of the gospel of John was both a literary master and a gifted theologian. For example, the story of Jesus being anointed with an expensive perfume had already been told in the earlier gospel of Mark. (Go back and read Mark 14:3-11.) The woman in that earlier story is never named, nor is any reason given for her act of incredible generosity. After she finishes, Judas Iscariot leaves the room and sets in motion his plan to betray Jesus. But in John’s gospel, this story is moved to a time right after the raising of Lazarus, and the act of lavish devotion is assigned to Lazarus’ sister, Mary. And the main objector to this act is now Judas Iscariot, who is described as a thief and a hypocrite.