TGIMMsugar

	A LITTLE SWEETNESS

The Gospel

JOHN 12:1-3

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

The Media -- "Sugar" (Maroon 5)

"I'm hurting, I'm broken down. I need your loving. I need it now. When I'm without you, I'm something weak. You got me begging. I'm on my knees. I don't wanna be needing your love; I just wanna be deep in your love. And it's killing me when you're away, ‘cause I really don't care where you are, just wanna be there where you are. And I gotta get one little taste. Sugar, please, won't you come and put it down on me? I'm right here, 'cause I need a little love and little sympathy. Yeah, you show me good loving. Make it alright, I need a little sweetness in my life.”

The song "Sugar" by the group Maroon 5 contains a statement that according to sociologists is a necessity in human living, namely, that we all need a little sweetness in our lives. If we do not receive it for whatever reason, we feel as though we are lacking something. The song of course is a love song, and is speaking about a romantic situation. But the thought and idea of a little sweetness or "love and sympathy" as the song suggests is important for the human condition.

Jesus was completely aware of the thought. Being human, he no doubt knew that his time on earth was coming to a tragic close, and the fact that another would take the time to give him a little sweetness as Mary did by anointing him, was probably a welcome feeling. Then too the situation of his friend Lazarus, with his death and subsequent return to life was no doubt stressful to the family, and the sweetness of Jesus' presence was a true gift to his friends. The remark that John the evangelist makes about the house being filled with the aroma of sweetness is probably a description of the good feeling that everyone in the house experienced.

All too often our lives are filled with negatives that tend to dominate the way we feel in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. The difficulties of a love life that the song speaks of is only one problem area for young as well as old. We also have difficulties in school, in family, and with work. It is a consolation to know that the overwhelming message of real life is that there are many positives, many things that can make us feel better. If we manage to develop an attitude that tries to see the positive, we will see the positive, and life will indeed be sweeter.

The song leaves some unanswered questions. Did the lady come back and give him the sweetness that the man said he needed? Was the relationship primed to end in a breakup? As with many love situations, we do not know the answers. But even if the man did not feel as though his love life was fulfilled in this instance, if he has developed a positive attitude toward living, he will discover another chance in the future.

In fact, no matter what the circumstance, given a positive attitude that we have made our own, we will find some sweetness to enhance the situation.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we know that with romantic love and with love in general, there will always be difficult times. May we have the grace to develop a positive attitude in every situation, and therefore bring some necessary sweetness into our lives. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: True love will add a little sweetness to the negative part of our lives.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. The Gospel passage pictures a "family gathering." In your opinion, why would Jesus encourage such family gatherings?
2. The anointing is a sign of true affection for Jesus. In our lives today, how can we show "true affection for Jesus"?
3. Our customs do not including "anointing" as did the customs of Jesus' time. What is the best way to show another that they are most welcome in our living quarters?
4. Text analysis: "You got me begging." In general, why is "begging" not a good way to promote a relationship?
5. Text analysis: "I don't wanna be needing your love." What is the meaning of the sentence?
6. Text analysis: "I need...a little sympathy." Why does he need sympathy?
7. Text analysis: "You show me good lovin'." What is the definition of "good lovin'"?
8. Why do sociologists suggest that everyone needs a little sweetness in their lives?
9. What are some other needs that the human being must have?
10. Do you agree with the meditation that Jesus sought "good feelings" in his lifetime? Yes or no and why?
11. What is your best "good feeling" at this present time in your life? Why?
12. If you had the means of doing it, what "negative" would you change in the world?
13. What are some ways to develop a "positive" attitude in your life?
14. What does the song "Sugar" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike