Scripture Reading
Mark 14:6, 8-9
But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ... She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
Reflection
On the Wednesday before Good Friday, as Judas was arranging to betray Jesus for silver, an unnamed woman anointed his feet with expensive perfume. Jesus called it beautiful. In the same room, opposite impulses: extravagant love and calculated betrayal. Holy Week asks us to examine which impulse we are acting from. When we give what is costly, he sees it, names it beautiful, and remembers it forever.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus our healer, you know what it is like to experience pain. You know what it's like to experience sorrow at the suffering of your friends. You wept at the tomb of Lazarus. I thank you that you not only know what it is like but that you have the power to transform those situations. After weeping at the tomb, you raised Lazarus from the dead. Sin, pain and sickness are no match for your healing power. You bore our sins in your body on the tree and by your wounds, we are healed. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Amen.