Imagine that you are attending an auction and various items are offered for sale. As you inspect each item, you immediately appraise its worth. To some items you attach high value, while others make you think: "They'd have to pay me to take that piece of junk." At this point, a plain, unattractive Item (see Is 53:2) is being auctioned off. The auctioneer shouts: "This Item goes by the name of Jesus. What's your bid?"

The Jewish chief priests open the bidding at thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:15). Nicodemus ups the ante, bidding a large "mixture of myrrh and aloes" (Jn 19:39). Three wise men offer expensive "gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt 2:11). Mary of Bethany steps forward and offers "a pound of costly perfume" (Jn 12:3). Meanwhile, Judas scoffs in the back row, saying, "What is the point of this extravagant waste? (Mk 14:4) They'd have to pay me to accept this Item (see Mt 26:15). Hey, lady, I'll give you three hundred pieces of silver for your perfume" (see Jn 12:5). Finally, a merchant comes forward, bids all that he owns, and buys the Item (Mt 13:46).

What value do you put on Jesus? How much money and time will you spend for Him? Don't bid or take thirty pieces of silver as did the chief priests and Judas (Mt 26:15). Jesus is expensive. You can afford Him, but He costs all that you have. The auctioneer is waiting. What's your bid?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006

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