Monday of Holy Week

The Anointing at Bethany

“She has done a beautiful thing for me.” — Mark 14:6

In the final years of his life, when every public role had been taken from him, Karl lived in a hidden offering that few could see. His suffering, his prayer, and his concern for his people became like the costly perfume poured out in silence — a gift whose value was known fully only to God.

So much of what is most beautiful in a Christian life takes this form. It is not efficient, not recognized, and often misunderstood. Love is poured out without calculation, simply because Christ is worthy. Holy Week brings us to the place where we must decide whether we will measure our lives by usefulness or by love. What the world calls wasted, Christ receives as a precious offering.

Blessed Karl, help us to give our lives without counting the cost. Amen.