Judas is right: what Mary does makes no sense.
Holy Week | Monday of Holy Week (Year A Year B Year C)
Isaiah 42:1-9 (Psalm 36:5-11); Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11
Several years ago I taught a Sunday School class on the Saint John's Bible, a beautiful hand-calligraphed and illustrated version of the Bible that took several years and a whole team of artists to create. I showed the class a video about how the project came together, and the class was spellbound, as I knew they'd be. The illuminations make you want to lean into the scripture. The Saint John's Bible fosters awe and wonder toward the God who gives us not only the sacred story but also the artists who make it come alive. Near the end of the video, the narrator shares the cost of this tremendous project.
March 10, 2016
After the anointing at Bethany, Judas asks why the fragrance wasn't sold and the money given to charity. A more apt question might be why Mary didn't use it on her brother Lazarus, dead just a few days before.
February 23, 2016
art selection and commentary by Heidi J. Hornik and Mikeal C. Parsons
February 18, 2016
I have given my father many presents. The small bottle of fragrant bath essence I gave him last Christmas may be the most important one.
July 3, 2015
This week’s sensual anointing text is one of those biblical texts that has a personal story permanently attached to it. Late one night, sitting in the ER, I wiped blood away from a dying member’s hands and experienced death’s sting along with his family. I knew the power of being present in Christ’s name when there are no words to speak.
March 11, 2013