A few days before my brother moved to Luxembourg for a work assignment, he invited me, my husband, and several of his close friends to dinner at an upscale restaurant. After feasting on decadent drinks, appetizers, and entrees, one of us asked the waiter for our bills. She hesitated before pointing to my brother and said, "I'm sorry, but he already took care of it."

Feeling stunned by his generous gesture we thanked him before asking his reasons for spending money on us versus saving it for his move.

He said, "No, no, no. I invited you all here because I wanted to see you before I move. I won't be here for all of your birthdays and anniversaries over the next few years, so it's the least I could do." His answer was one I will always remember.

In today's Gospel we find Judas asking a question similar to the ones we asked my brother. "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" Do we respond to Christ's generous gift to us of dying on the Cross by not understanding its value, or trying to return it? Do we think we know better than God the gifts (crosses, perhaps!) He has in store for us, on our journey here?

My dear sisters, we are on the home stretch. We are days away from Jesus's suffering, death, and Resurrection. The time is now to not only love but to also let others love you. Without others, Martha could not have served; Lazarus could not have listened; and Mary could not have given. Jesus gave you the best gift ever by dying on the Cross for you, so don't let His love be for naught.

[bctt tweet="The time is now to not only love but to also let others love you. // @RDgal37"]

What are the gifts Jesus gave you this Lent? Take a moment to jot them down, or journal about them.

Joan Geiger is a North Dakota native and newlywed, and in her spare time she can be found going on adventures with her husband, working as a Registered Dietitian, and drinking coffee. You can find out more about her here.