John 12:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 12Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Verse 3Mary 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. Verse 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Verse 5"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Verse 6(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.) Verse 7Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. Verse 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
Devotion
A woman from my first-call parish stated vehemently during a council meeting that she understood where Judas was coming from in this episode. Ever thrifty, she believed we should pare back our spending on worship-related items and use the money for our food pantry ministry. On one hand, her concerns—and Judas'—were sensible, indeed right in line with God's word through prophets like Amos: "I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. ... Take away from me the noise of your songs. ... But let justice roll down like waters ..." (5:21-24). While John, writing well after Judas betrayed Jesus, paints Judas in a negative light, I'm confident the woman in my first congregation had every good intention as we looked ahead to the next year's budget.
But then there is Mary, anointing Jesus' feet and filling the house with the fragrance of her worship. And Jesus praises her forethought regarding his upcoming passion and burial. I don't mind admitting that this story still leaves me a bit puzzled.
Prayer
God, thank you that I don't have to understand your Word perfectly in order to trust in you. Show me how best to practice both worship and social justice. Amen.