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Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, enlighten us this Holy Week. Speak to us daily through the written Word and the Living Word. Draw us closer to God in Christ and to each other, that we might be beings of peace to all creatures, embodying the humble and self-giving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Scripture: Gospel of John 12.1-11 (ESV)
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
1Six days before the Passover ceremonies began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus--the man he had raised from the dead. 2A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus sat at the table with him. 3Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance.
4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples--the one who would betray him--said, 5"That perfume was worth a small fortune [estimated to equal yearly wage for a laborer]. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." 6Not that he cared for the poor--he was a thief who was in charge of the disciples' funds, and he often took some for his own use.
7Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did it in preparation for my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but I will not be here with you much longer."
9When all the people heard of Jesus' arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
Devotional Comments
This Mary was the Mary that sat at the feet of Jesus to listen to him while her sister Martha was busy preparing a meal during another visit of Jesus to the home of Lazarus. Here, as there, her character in the story presents us, the readers, with an ardent love for Christ. Likewise, as the earlier text contrasts the anxious Martha with the quiet, listening, and meditative Mary, here is another contrast. Here, the betrayer and thief, Judas Iscariot, is contrasted with the quiet, compassionate, and prostrated Mary, as she pours ointment on the feet of her friend and Lord.
Of dramatic irony is the role of Jesus. In that culture it would have been judged improper for a religious teacher to allow this touching, even of feet, from a woman in public. However, Jesus defends Mary and praises her for this act of kindness, even interpreting its deeper significance to the other persons gathered together. Jesus here, as often, publicly acts in noncompliance with official teaching and custom.
Therefore, the contrasts in the story lead us to view a coalescence of two characters, Jesus and Mary, in an act that, beyond being theological, is tender and demonstrative of deep affection, one for the other. Indeed, we would do well not to jump to theological conclusions too quickly. Rather, the act itself of Mary is the most important element of the story; the act itself, like poetry, encompasses depth of meaning in the metaphor and rhythm of movement. Who can read this story without seeing this humble devotee, Mary, kneeling on the floor and silently loving her Lord through this anointing?
We see Jesus in contrast to what will happen in a matter of days. He is here acted upon by Mary in a rite of devotion and tenderness. Jesus is soon to be acted upon by the Jews and Romans in an act of defiance, dishonesty, and cruelty. Likewise, being acted upon by Mary contrasts with Jesus being acted upon by the betrayer Judas Iscariot, who protests this prodigious anointing of Mary, an anointing that witnesses to her prodigious love for Jesus.
Therefore, the story confronts us with a question. The question is, “How will we act upon Christ?” We can act upon Christ by ignoring Christ. We can do this, saying, “I just don’t have time to give much attention to worship, to devotional practice, to prayer, or to Christian service. I’m very busy.” Christ, being humble and loving, will let us act upon him in this way.
However, the Scripture confronts us with a call to embody the devotion of Mary. We can act upon Christ in ardent love. We can pour out our heart to the Christ, loving him as dearest friend, faithful companion, majestic Lord, wonderful counselor, and sufficient Savior. Christ will delight in such love. We need to give such love as much as he delights in it. Indeed, finally, a Christian is one who seeks to love Christ as Mary loved Christ.
Here is a poem written based on the passage for today. May it speak to you of your ardent love for Christ Jesus, the living Word of God.
Extravagant Love
What extravagant Love
Not a sprinkling
A flood
Mary of Bethany Love
Affection unreserved
Sorrow unbidden
When nature prepared the nard and hair, hands and eyes, and knees,
What prepared the heart
To give such grace to Grace Himself?
What moved her to act, when others remained still,
To express openly, unabashedly, such compassion?
How did her heart become enflamed with this devotion?
Was it not her love, then, for Love, this One reclining before her,
That she sat before and quietly at the same feet, listening,
Which led her, now, to anoint her Beloved for death?
And, what shall inflame my heart,
To act with like ardor and devotion,
And love with this Love of Mary for her Lord?
Suggested Psalm Reading: Psalm 118 or Psalm 118.14-24
Spiritual Exercise
Reflect on the ways we act upon Christ with love and devotion. Give thanks for having such an intimate relationship with such a humble and gentle Christ that he accepts being acted upon, forgives us for acting upon him wrongly, and cherishes when we act upon him with ardent devotion.
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