Jesus visits the home of his friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, having recently raised Lazarus from the dead. Mary pours costly perfume over Jesus’ feet and washes them with her hair. Judas objects to what he sees as a waste of money, but Jesus defends Mary, knowing that her extravagant gesture is a sign of her deep gratitude and that he will soon be leaving them to go to his death.

The readings this week prompt us to question what really matters to us and to think about the important priorities in our lives – what are our true passions? On the last Sunday in Lent, we begin to look ahead to Palm Sunday and on the intense last days of Jesus’ life.