Monday of the Holy Week – 29th March 2021 – John 12,1-11
Manifestation of Kingship
One of the most prominent character in John’s story of the anointing of Jesus is Mary, a perfect disciple of Jesus. In the first place, she loves and believes Jesus unconditionally. Because she has seen him raise her brother from the dead. It is interesting to note that the evangelist introduces her one chapter earlier as “the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair” (Jn 11,2). John assumes the reader’s familiarity with the story he narrates in the next chapter. Mary’s outpouring of this elaborate gift is undoubtedly an act of thanksgiving for the gift of life.
The gospel narration never gives any insight into Mary’s internal thoughts. We do not know what she intends by her actions, but instead John situates her actions so that they resonate with other parts of the Gospel. Mary’s anointing (12,3) is a prophetic act that is both a sign of Jesus’ kingship and its formal announcement. Anointing with oil or perfume had many purposes in antiquity. For kings and priests, anointing meant consecration for a specific purpose (Ex 40,15;1 Sam 16,12). The sick were anointed as a ritual of healing (Mk 6,13; Jam 5,14) and the dead anointed for burial (Mk 16,1). Theoretically, Mary’s act could mean any of these things. However, throughout the passion narrative, the kingship of Jesus is the dominant theme, in which John presents Jesus and his claims repeatedly. Because of this literary style, Mary’s actions anticipate and enact the notion that Jesus is king.
