There is a stunning story in the Gospels to contrast the suffocated heart of the money-loving

Judas, a disciple, and the excessive money-spending worship of Mary, a local sinner.

The story is recounted in John chapter 12 verses 1 to 8, and I'll read it.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom

Jesus had raised from the dead.

So they gave a dinner for him there.

Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.

Mary, therefore, took a pound of expensive ointment, made from pure nard, and anointed the

feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.

The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume, but Judas Iscariot, one of the

disciples, said, why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denari, a year salary,

and then given to the poor?

He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having

charge of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put in it.

Jesus said, leave her alone so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.

For the poor, you will always have with you, but you do not always have me.

Some paper picks up here in his 2011 sermon.

Judas, let me start by giving you the benefit of the doubt.

You love the poor.

Guess what?

The rest of your life served the poor.

They're always going to be there.

...