Silent Witness of Lazarus
April 14, 2025 – Monday of Holy Week
John 12:1-11
On Saturday, we learned that Jesus left Bethany for Ephraim, aware that the authorities had resolved to kill Him. Today, He has returned to Bethany to celebrate the victory of life over death. Instead of a somber funeral meal for the late Lazarus, we witness a joyful dinner. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, and Lazarus—who heard the voice of the Son of Man and emerged from the tomb—share the table.
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the two sisters, Martha and Mary. While Martha busied herself with serving, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, attentively listening to His words. In John's account, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a precious ointment. This anointing, also recorded in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 14:3-9), differs only in that the unnamed woman in Mark anoints His head instead of His feet. In both instances, the act signifies that Jesus is worthy of being anointed as King and, simultaneously, prepared for His sacrificial death on the cross.
Not everyone, however, appreciated what they saw as an extravagant “waste” of expensive oil. While John mentions only Judas’s criticism, Mark reveals that others too questioned the act, arguing that the oil should have been sold with the proceeds given to the poor. In response, Jesus defends Mary against those who merely feign concern for the needy—a challenge that invites us to reflect on our own priorities.
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet anticipates the washing of the disciples’ feet, described in the following chapter. Traditionally, foot washing was a sign of hospitality, usually performed by household servants. Here, however, using such costly oil is a profound expression of gratitude for what Jesus did for her brother and their entire family. As some commentators observe, “Christian discipleship involves humble service to the King, valuing all things by their ability to honor Christ.” This service, indeed, is rooted in gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.
The silent witness of Lazarus is another striking element of today’s Gospel. Seated with Jesus at the table, his very presence testifies to the transformative power of Christ’s work, leading many to faith. Lazarus proclaimed the Gospel simply by living—a living testament to St. Irenaeus’ words: “The glory of God is a human being living fully.” It is precisely this vibrant, life-giving witness that our world so desperately needs. Are we living fully alive in Christ?