Monday, April 18
John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pintof 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 perfurme.
This story is enough to make any good Lutheran cringe. Excessive, extravagant, expensive, one pint of perfume used all at one time…and on someone’s feet! You know how we Lutherans are: we don’t like to call a lot of attention to ourselves, be too “show-offy,” brag about what we have, waste things, etc. But that Mary, well, she’s something else. She holds nothing back. Not even the most valuable item in her home.
The perfume, made from spikenard, a plant that was grown only in the far east, cost 300 denarii, valued at about $27,000 today. So Mary takes this clay pot of amazingly fragrant and valuable perfume, pours it over Jesus' feet and then unbinds her hair - something no self-respecting woman would do in public - and dries his feet with her hair. She gave with abandon, without thought of what others might think. And her household was filled with the fragrance of her incredible act.
Judas, the group's book keeper criticizes her, saying like a good Lutheran, that this costly item should have been sold and used to benefit the poor.
Well, I've got to admit; I am no Mary. I am not willing to pour away my most precious and expensive possession, risk my reputation in the community for someone who, oh, wait a minute. That's exactly what God did for me. I guess I need to follow Mary's lead. You too?
Jane Oppermann
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