Typically, I like to encourage others to “enter” the Gospel reading for Sunday by imaginatively identifying with a particular character’s perspective. There is definitely a lot of possibility for that activity in this passage. You can try to look at matters from Jesus’ or Mary’s perspectives. You can take a step further by imagining what was going through the mind of Martha, Lazarus, or one of the apostles. You could even try to stretch yourself by seeing matters through Judas’ eyes (Note that the Gospel writer provides all the negative comments about Judas — perhaps Judas felt he had some type of justification for his behavior — we can only imagine.).
HOWEVER —
When I read this passage today, I was gripped by Jesus’ comment in the last verse of the passage. Ponder with me there for a bit.
Jesus talks a lot about the poor, but he says here that they will always be with you. What does that mean? Does that mean the poor will always be in society — or should they be closer to us than that abstract place? Is poverty an unsolvable problem? Would even a Second Coming not change that?
Then, what about the second part — Jesus won’t be there. Is that for the apostles? For us? Does he mean not there in physical form? Any form? Why might Jesus tie his presence/absence to the poor in this way?
Ponder with me on these questions (and any others you have — feel free to leave comments!) as we look toward Sunday…