Fifth Sunday of Lent (Heb. 9:11–14; Mk. 10:32–45)

A sinful woman, having heard that the Savior was in the house of Simon, came there with an alabaster flask of ointment and, standing behind Him at His feet, began to weep and washed His feet with her tears, then wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment (Lk. 7:36–39).

She says nothing, but only acts, and by her actions shows the most tender love for the Lord. And so it was said of her: ”Her many sins are forgiven, because she loved much” (Lk. 7:47).

Oh, if only we too would speak less and act more, and by our actions bear witness to our love for the Lord! You may say: “If He Himself were here, I would be ready to do everything for Him at once.” But He is here—invisibly in His own person, and visibly in all Christians, and most of all in those in need. Anoint the invisible Lord with loving, heartfelt and mental prayer, and for the visible Lord—do everything possible for those in need, and you will be doing it for God.