MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 14 APRIL
April 14, 2025
Day Thirty-Six of Lent – “Father, Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit”
April 15, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
14 APRIL, 2025
John 12:1-11
Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany,
where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served,
while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil
made from genuine aromatic nard
and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair;
the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples,
and the one who would betray him, said,
“Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages
and given to the poor?”
He said this not because he cared about the poor
but because he was a thief and held the money bag
and used to steal the contributions.
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone.
Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came,
not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus,
whom he had raised from the dead.
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
because many of the Jews were turning away
and believing in Jesus because of him.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In John 12:1–11, we see Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wiping them with her hair. Her act of devotion is deeply personal, sacrificial, and full of love. While others questioned the practicality of her actions, Jesus affirmed her gift as preparation for His burial. This moment reminds us that true worship comes from the heart and often defies logic. It invites us to offer Jesus our best—not just in things, but in time, attention, and love.
Are we willing to pour out our most valuable things in love for Jesus, even if others don’t understand?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help me to love You with the same wholehearted devotion Mary showed. Teach me to offer my time, my gifts, and my heart in worship. May I not be swayed by the opinions of others but be bold in expressing my love for You. Prepare my heart to walk with You through the days ahead, remembering Your sacrifice and embracing Your grace.
Amen
