Homily on John 12:1–11 : Nothing Is Too Costly When Offered with Love

Homily on John 12:1 11 – Nothing Is Too Costly When Offered with Love: A Soul-Stirring Story of Friendship 

( Monday, the 14th of April 2025)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

Two boys grew up in the same village. They played in the rain, climbed trees, and shared food under the same roof. One was poor, the other was from a slightly better family, but their friendship was deep and pure. As time passed, the richer boy moved to the city and became successful. The poor friend stayed back, working in the fields, still living a simple life.

Years later, the successful friend fell seriously ill. His kidneys had failed. He was in needed a transplant. His name was put on a long waiting list. Days passed. Hope faded. He was getting weaker, and doctors said he might not live long without a donor.

One evening, a man came quietly to the hospital. It was the poor friend. He had heard about his friend’s condition. Without hesitation, without even informing his own family, he offered his kidney.

The operation was done. The life was saved. When the man recovered, he asked, “Why did you do this?” The poor friend simply said, “You gave me so many good memories in my life. I gave you what I could. Nothing is too costly when it is offered with love.”

This is the same truth we hear in today’s Gospel from John 12:1–11. A woman takes a jar of expensive perfume — not something cheap, but something that cost nearly a year’s wages — and pours it on the feet of Jesus. She wipes His feet with her hair. People around complain. They call it waste.

But Jesus defends her. He sees her love. He sees her heart. He says, “Leave her alone… she has kept it for the day of my burial.” Her act may look foolish to others. But for Jesus, it was beautiful.

One word in this Gospel touches the heart — fragrance. The house was filled with the fragrance of her offering. That is what happens when love is poured out. Love has a smell — not a smell like perfume — but a beauty that others can feel even in silence.

In the Old Testament, we find that Noah, after the flood, made an offering to God. The Bible says, “The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma” (Genesis 8:21). God was not pleased with the smoke of meat — but with the love and trust behind the gift.

Saint Clare of Assisi once said, “Love that cannot suffer is not worthy of that name.” Real love gives, and it gives until it hurts. The woman gave her perfume. The friend gave his kidney. Jesus gave His life.

Let us ask ourselves — what am I keeping back because I think it is too costly to give? Is it my time? My forgiveness? My comfort? My love? When we give with love, it is never waste. It is worship.

Today, Jesus looks into our hearts. He is not asking for perfume or kidneys. He is asking for love. Let us not be afraid to give it — because nothing is ever too costly when it is offered with love.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to love You so much that I am never afraid to give You my best. Amen.

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God Bless…