Today is traditionally known in England as ‘Fig Monday’, but the gospel reading is the account in John chapter 12 of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anointing Jesus. A very good reflection about this event (and similar accounts in the other gospels) is in the latest edition of The Tablet by the theologian Margaret Hebblethwaite (www.thetablet.co.uk). Only in John is the woman named, and Margaret points out that the importance of the story in the context of Holy Week has often been marginalised in Christian history.
God bless and take care
Fr Ashley
