Leave Her Alone

                            

                                        Fifth Sunday in Lent  April 7, 2019

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." John 12:1-8

Today, I celebrated the 17th anniversary of my consecration, attending the consecration of Mark Edington in Paris. It has been a day of joy and reflection. One thing I have observed is, especially when in a foreign country, where many languages are being spoken, and many cultures are represented, words and behaviors are often misunderstood. We put our ideas and motivations on others when we do not understand. We want to be part of something, even when strange, but do not know how to enter in. We have to be brave and ask for help. We are called to be vulnerable and open.

Jesus receives an enormously tender gift from Mary. This act of love, attributed to Mary in John's gospel, is attributed to a very different and mysterious woman in others. She is criticized for her extravagance. For her it is an act of love, something she has to do in gratitude. We often misunderstand the gratitude and generosity of others, thinking there is a hidden motive, or something expected in return. Yet when love is given freely, by a vulnerable and open person, it is easily understood, easily welcomed and accepted.

Today, I ask God to give me the grace to continue in ministry with a heart, open and vulnerable to where I am lead. May we be ready to give what we can for love so that God is made real in our world today.

Collect

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.