Gospel Reading
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12: 3-7
For Reflection…
If this woman had gone to Jesus’ grave with this outpouring of affection and perfume, it would have been accepted, even admired. You were allowed to anoint a dead body, but it was not acceptable to express similar love and affection to a live one. Nothing has changed in two thousand years. We still save our best compliments and flowers for the funeral. Jesus’ challenge here is for us to anoint each other while we are still alive: shower those you love with affection and flowers while they are alive… Ronald Rolheiser ‘Seeking Spirituality’
From: Ecumenism: Reflections & News. For more information about ecumenical events and resources, visit www.sacc.asn.au
Yesterday we celebrated with joy our son's engagement. Family and friends gathered to celebrate, to tell stories, to give gifts, and to 'anoint' this young couple.
What a great opportunity to shower those we love with words of affirmation, support and affection.
After having celebrated the life of my father-in-law at his funeral in December, it was good this time to be able to affirm my son and future daughter-in-law (DIL) while they are alive and well and setting out on an exciting life together.
