DAY 35: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS 2026

Day Thirty-Five: Extravagant Love
(Monday of Holy Week)

Scripture Passage:
“Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus.” (John 12:3)

We have traded our fear of spiritual death for the certainty of Grace.
We have allowed Christ to “gather us into one” as His children.
We have laid down our expectations at the gates of Jerusalem.

Today, our Lenten journey deepens into a call for radical, “extravagant love”.

Meditative Reflection

On this Holy Monday, we see a beautiful example of what a transformed heart actually looks like in action. Mary of Bethany doesn’t give Jesus a calculated gift; she gives Him everything. She breaks open a jar of perfume worth a year’s wages and pours it out. To the world (and to Judas), this was a “waste.” But to Jesus, it was the perfect response to His love. Our journey has led us to this moment of decision. After thirty-five days of refining our hearts, are we still calculating our devotion? Do we give God just enough time to feel good, or are we willing to be “extravagant” with our lives? Mary didn’t wait for a “convenient” time to honor Jesus, she recognized that He was heading toward His sacrifice, and she wanted to give Him her best while she could. True transformation means moving past the minimum requirements of faith. It means being willing to be seen as wasteful or foolish by the world because of how much we love God. As we move through this Great Week, let us ask for the grace to be like Mary, to break open the jars of our hearts and pour out our best for the One who is about to give everything for us.

Reflection Questions

Where am I still being “calculating” or stingy with my time and love for God?
Am I afraid of being judged by others for being “too religious” or too devoted?
What is the “precious jar” in my life that I am being invited to break open for Christ today?

Lenten Question

Q: Why is the fragrance of the oil mentioned so specifically in the Gospel?
A: Scripture says “the house was filled with the fragrance.” This reminds us that when we live with radical love and a transformed heart, our lives become a “spiritual fragrance” that blesses everyone around us, not just ourselves.

Lenten Action

Perform one act of extravagant kindness today, something that goes beyond what is fair or expected. Do it quietly, as an anointing for Christ in the person you are helping.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have given me everything. Help me to move past a calculated faith and into a love that is extravagant and bold. Like Mary, I want to offer You the very best of my heart, my time, and my talents. May the fragrance of my devotion fill my home and my workplace today as I follow You toward the Cross. Amen. 🙏🏽

LENTEN CALENDAR AND REFLECTIONS: https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/lenten-prayers-and-reflection-2026/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/