“But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ “ (John 12:4-6)

You’ve got to admit that Judas had a point.  His was the voice of sweet reasonableness.  “Let’s not let ourselves get carried away,” he said, “Let’s not jump off the deep end.  This is wasteful extravagance.  This costly perfume could be sold and the money given to the poor.” Never mind that the author of the Fourth Gospel suggests that Judas’ motives were not entirely altruistic.  Never mind that John suggests that at the top of the list of Judas’ favorite charities was Judas himself.  Never mind that, as treasurer of the little band of disciples, Judas may have had his hand in the till.  Whatever …