March 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 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.’

Reflection
Such a short passage with so many highlights. Six days... six days for creation... something new is taking place... a new creation is forming.

Mary anointed Jesus feet. Why not his head as was the custom? And it wasn't custom for the female to be present or even to have her hair down. Mary wiped Jesus feet with her hair.

Then the few words that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. This makes me think of how the Holy Spirit was surely present during this act. God's Spirit in place and spreading throughout the house. A sweet smell of love and action through Mary for the Savior of all the world.

But even with the wonderful fragrance of the Spirit, we still live with the presence of evil. Greed steps in and worry about the cost of this act. What about the cost of the act that was to follow this? What would be the cost of what Jesus would soon do for all the people? It would cost Jesus everything to die on a cross to pay for the sins of all of us.

Yes, that fragrance filled the room and we now live with the sweetness of salvation and grace. Even in the filth of this world and the stench of sin; we live in and with the fragrance of Jesus act of love. An act of love that he has taught his disciples to have for another.

Prayer
Lord; Mary has taught us such a wonderful example of adoration for you, our Savior. Hear our songs of praise and smell that wonderful love we have for you and what you have done for each and all of us. Thanks... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen