Today's Gospel talks about Jesus' visit to Lazarus' home, where a dinner is served in his honour and several interactions happen. While Martha serves dinner, Mary uses an expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot objects because he thinks this perfume should rather be sold to help the poor. Knowing his real intention, Jesus rather supports Mary for her using this perfume at the right time - the oil was meant for Jesus' burial. Since the burial is the disposal of human remains after death, Mary has rather chosen to make Jesus happy before He dies. We are invited in this dialogue to examine our acts of "generosity" - so that we may, as Isaiah says, become a covenant for the people. Are we just helping the needy at their burials or are we preventing them from dying? On this Monday of Holy Week, we are invited to offer our best to the needy in order to heal the various wounds and sufferings that are preludes to their burials. An authentic act of generosity is one which not only solves already existing problems but also and most importantly one which prevents problems.