What a waste

Holy Week or Horror Week II
Wednesday

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.  Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests  and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.  So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.(Matthew 26:6-16)

What a waste of money, Judas thought. To use all that precious perfume on Jesus, when it could have been sold at market for some needed cash! That seemed to have been then last straw to him. Perhaps he was always in it for the money. A religious zealot who wanted more than anything to overthrow Rome and bring freedom form the Jewish oppression. Money would help the cause!

We know the rest of the story. How ironic today. Many would rather be working, have a bustling economy that do What is right. Many are hoarding supplies, buying up scarce goods, and selfishly keeping supplies others need. For what? Who needs 50 rolls of toilet paper or 15 cases of water? Stop building cars and sports wear and make masks, medical equipment and safety clothing!

Judas was selfish and greedy. Look what it led to! What about us? As we examine ourselves, think . . . will this be a Holy Week or a Horror Week? Will we experience the joy of giving, sacrificing, and sharing or will we experience selfishness, isolation, and depression that greed can bring? Look at Judas' end!

Let's not waste an opportunity to share His love . . . .