( Mark 14:5-9, John 11:55-12:11)

 The Readings For Holy Week begin on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Jesus goes to Bethany and a woman#1.  anoints his feet with a generous portion of pure nard, which is very costly. Judas, who is to betray Jesus, complains that the ointment should have been sold, and the money given to the poor. The fourth gospel declares that Judas said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief.

Jesus answered, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial.   The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 

In Mark, Jesus says: 

“She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burying.  And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” 

 John explains that When the great crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

The stage is set for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (Page 2)