John 12.3: “Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

Focus Questions

· How do you feel about Mary’s extravagant gesture in today’s Gospel reading (anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiping His feet with her hair)? Why did she did she do it?

· I believe Mary’s behaviour in today’s Gospel reading from St John was a prophetic action? What is a prophetic action? What is the deeper significance that lies behind Mary’s action?

· Is it OK to be extravagant with our generosity? (Hint: Share a story about how you made someone feel good about themselves with your generosity.)

· With whom do you identify, Mary’s costly extravagance or Judas’s more logical approach of selling the expensive perfume and giving the money to the poor?

· I wonder was Judas trying to look after the poor or was this an excuse so he could look after himself? Have you ever made an excuse that sounded good but really was a cover up for your lack of generosity?

· Isn’t Mary’s extravagance a reflection of the God we worship, a God of extravagant generosity and love?

Take Home Challenge:

· It is OK to be like Mary of Bethany and to be extravagant with your love and generosity!

· Have there been times in your spiritual journey when you expressed your gratitude for God’s blessings by being generous and loving to a person in need?

· How much of your life are you prepared to hand over to Jesus Christ (10%, 25%, 50% or may be the lot)?