English speakers have adopted the German Schadenfreude to name the enjoyment (Freude) we derive from other’s struggles and misfortune (Schaden). I’m ashamed that I occasionally experience this vicious delight at the loss of an egoistic champ or the failure of a greedy entrepreneur.

I recently learned of a pseudo-German term that plays on this word to name another unfortunate and familiar human feeling: Freudeschaden denotes the resentment we feel in response to the goodness and joy of others. Though this second term is lesser known, the feeling it names is a more common occurrence, I suspect. How often do we react to the goodness, beauty, or generosity of others with resentment rather than wonder? With bitterness rather than appreciation? With misery rather than joy?

In response to Mary, who blesses Jesus with this extravagant gesture and gift of precious oil, Judas experiences this Freudeschaden, too. Instead of revering her generosity toward their beloved teacher and friend, Judas speaks up to undermine her. And Jesus calls him out for this. Without refuting his sound point about caring for the poor, Jesus emphasizes that it is beside the point of Mary’s kind gesture.

Jesus’ reprimand to Judas is a reprimand to all of us who find ourselves aggrieved by the goodness, joy, or success of others. Meanwhile, Jesus’ reaction to Mary models a better response to which we might aspire—may we appreciate and celebrate the goodness we encounter in those around us.