Anointed. Scripture, reflection and prayer.

John 12:1-3 "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

Reflection. Think a second what the first words of the passage say. Jesus has a week left alive on earth! We know from other accounts of Jesus being anointed that this is symbolic of anointing before his death (See Mark 14:3-9).  It is a beautiful moment. The house filled with the scent of wonderful perfume. Imagine, for a moment, walking into home that is filled with the warm scent of a lovely cooked meal - that does it for me rather than perfume. That scent of comfort and home and wholesomeness.

Thank of the sacrifice Mary makes here. Costly monetarily - pure nard was the Chanel of the day. Costly sociologically - women did not go to dinner parties. Costly lovingly - I believe she knew the Jesus she loved was going to die.

Do we think of cost of loving Jesus?
Do we know how much the benefits outweigh the costs?
What would 'anointing' Jesus mean for us?

Prayer. Lord Jesus, thank you for Mary's example of sacrificial love. Give us the grace to serve. Amen.
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