The Wednesday of Holy Week is remembered for the moment when Jesus was famously anointed with expensive perfume. This unusual scene took place in Bethany, just outside Jerusalem, at a dinner party being hosted by Mary (who did the pouring), and Martha (her sister). It was hailed by Jesus as such an incredible expression of devotion that wherever the gospel would subsequently go, the story of Mary and her perfume would follow.
Yet we begin to sense the tension building in the Holy Week narrative. “But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples—the one who would betray him—said, “That perfume was worth a fortune. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor, but he was in charge of the disciples’ funds and often dipped into them for his own use!
Jesus replied, “Let her alone. She did it in preparation for my burial. You can always help the poor, but I won’t be with you very long.” John 12
Where Judas sees waste, Jesus sees love.
Mary’s love anticipates the love of Jesus. She pours her tears on the feet of the one who will pour himself out on the world.
Mary is praying with her body and with her heart. It is a way we seldom pray. Her prayer is part of a tradition as old as the passionate, lyrical and sensuous Song of Solomon. Yet there is nothing to stop us praying this way – a gentle touch of understanding, a hug of reassurance, a smile of love – these, too, are prayers.
As we view this dinner party, we are struck by the surpassing generosity of Mary’s gesture, and then by the bitter grudge with which Judas interpreted the gift.
Lord, when I find myself critical of others, it may be my own warped vision that needs to be corrected.
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