In this week’s gospel, Mary of Bethany used perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Costly, extravagant and fragrant. The passage says it filled the house. I’ve learned that the perfume Mary used (nard) has a woody, earthy, and spicy smell. Imagine the strong smell filling the space. Mary’s extravagance of love and devotion for Jesus shared in a time together with friends.
Of course, the evening is marred by conflict with Judas, foreshadowing the betrayal that is to come.
As the fragrance fills the house, Judas raises a valid point. Why wasn’t this costly perfume sold so that the money could be given to the poor? Surprisingly, Jesus dismisses Judas’ objection. Why this response? Was he enjoying the pampering? Weas Jesus defending Mary as she lives out a kind of generosity that Judas is simply not capable of? Does Jesus see through Judas’ hypocrisy and greed? Is this Jesus’ one opportunity for indulgence as he is weary and aware that his arrest lies just a week ahead?
We are surprised by Jesus’ response. It is inconsistent with Jesus’ concern for the poor. Over and over in the gospels, Jesus welcomes, cares for, and defends vulnerable and needy people. His criticisms are most often focused on those who misuse power or take advantage of the powerless. Here is something different – It seems that Jesus sees Judas’ false concern for the poor as the self-interest it really is.
The contrast is stark: Side by side, we see Mary’s devotion and Judas’ insincerity. It highlights the same kind of struggle in the world around us, and the same kind of struggle in our own lives. How do we live out devotion to God? How do we care for the people around us who need our help and care? How do we set aside self-interest, greed and hypocrisy that plague all humans? How do we thread a course between various impulses and priorities that battle within us?
I wish there were simple answers, but there aren’t. Some days, it will be easy and joyful to honor God in ways that also benefit people in need. Other times, it will take a huge effort to set aside our own wants and priorities and sincerely show our devotion to God or our compassion for the struggles around us. The best we can do is look to the teachings and life of Jesus and try to shape our lives in similar ways. Consider the ways Jesus reached beyond the boundaries of his day, caring for the vulnerable and the outcast. Look at where his healings and other interactions defied cultural expectations or religious tradition. Find ways to live out similar priorities and love in our own lives.
The contrast between Mary and Judas is striking. Devotion, generosity, lies, and hypocrisy can sometimes be difficult for us to sort out. Even within ourselves. In the face of this struggle, we find hope in the loving embrace and forgiveness of the God who created us, redeems us, and loves us always.
Peace,
Weekly Prayer | Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet in John 12