God’s Plan Unfolds Through Christ’s Suffering – Apr 14 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence
Views 32
Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 14, 2025, where he reflects on Mary Magdalene's anointing of Jesus, Judas' betrayal, and God's plan revealed through Isaiah's servant songs during Holy Week.
Father begins by situating the Gospel in Bethany, six days before Passover, where Mary anoints Jesus, an act foreshadowing his burial (John 12: 1-8). This moment, set on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, contrasts with Judas’ focus on the perfume’s cost, revealing his greed (John 12: 6). Father notes Judas’ betrayal, sparked here, fulfills a divine plan existing before creation (Ephesians 1: 4). He cites St. Paul, warning that love of money leads to evil (1 Timothy 6: 10), as Judas sells Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26: 15), far less than the ointment’s value.
Mary’s generosity reflects true charity, loving God above all (CCC 2093), recalling her conversion when she first anointed Jesus (Luke 7: 36-50) and Jesus raising her brother Lazarus (John 11: 43-44). Father connects this to Abel’s sacrifice (Genesis 4: 4) and the Magi’s gifts (Matthew 2: 11), showing devotion to God (CCC 213). He quotes St. Bernard, likening Jesus’ Passion to a sack of mercy opened for our salvation (Romans 5: 8), as God spares not his Son (Romans 8: 32).
Father ties the readings to Isaiah’s servant songs (Isaiah 42: 1-4), fulfilled in Jesus’ miracles and preaching, opening eyes to faith (Matthew 4: 16). At Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3: 17) and Transfiguration (Matthew 17: 5), God calls him his beloved Son, the servant bringing justice through suffering (Isaiah 53: 5). Unlike Jewish expectations of a warrior Messiah, Jesus saves sinners (1 Timothy 1: 15), establishing justice patiently (CCC 1807). Father urges us to emulate Mary’s love and obedience for salvation.
For Further Reading
John 12: 1-8 - NAB - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/12?1
Ephesians 1: 4 - NAB - Chosen Before the World’s Foundation - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1?4
1 Timothy 6: 10 - NAB - Love of Money Causes Evil - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/6?10
Matthew 26: 15 - NAB - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/26?15
Isaiah 42: 1-4 - NAB - First Servant Song Prophecy - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/42?1
Luke 7: 36-50 - NAB - Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/7?36
Romans 8: 32 - NAB - God Spares Not His Son - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?32
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2093 - Love of God Above All - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2093.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #213 - God’s Attributes of Love - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/213.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1807 - Virtue of Justice - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1807.htm
00:00 - Introduction to Homily
00:09 - Gospel Flashback Explained
00:58 - Judas’ Betrayal Begins
01:40 - Mary’s Anointing Significance
02:09 - Judas’ Greed Exposed
02:38 - Mary’s Generous Love
04:52 - Isaiah’s Servant Songs
06:46 - Jesus’ Meekness Highlighted
Ave Maria!
Mass: Monday Holy Week - Wkdy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041425.cfm
1st: isa 42:1-7
Resp: psa 27:1-3, 13-14
Gsp: joh 12:1-11
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1684
Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/i17PWkRFInk
