Lenten Reflection on John 12:1-8
The writer of the gospel of John was both a literary master and a gifted theologian. For example, the story of Jesus being anointed with an expensive perfume had already been told in the earlier gospel of Mark. (Go back and read Mark 14:3-11.) The woman in that earlier story is never named, nor is any reason given for her act of incredible generosity. After she finishes, Judas Iscariot leaves the room and sets in motion his plan to betray Jesus. But in John’s gospel, this story is moved to a time right after the raising of Lazarus, and the act of lavish devotion is assigned to Lazarus’ sister, Mary. And the main objector to this act is now Judas Iscariot, who is described as a thief and a hypocrite.
By placing the story here, immediately after the raising of Lazarus, the theme of love even in the midst of death is emphasized. Lazarus’s resuscitation is a miracle that is both attracting crowds and disturbing the religious leaders. Symbolically he has about him the “aroma of death” having only recently emerged from a literal tomb. Similarly, Jesus is heading for his final days, and the nard poured over him was a perfume used to anoint the dead – something which Jesus alludes to in verse 7. So, the gift of Mary becomes a powerful way to see Jesus as the Lord over both life and death.
Questions for reflection: Think about the courage it took to disrupt a meal, an event crowded with people, by performing an act of loving devotion all could see. Have there been moments when you have been willing to acknowledge your devotion publicly? Have you ever been the recipient of an act of generous devotion or caring? What are gifts we can give for which cost is not a factor? Think of one or two generous women you’ve known in your life and offer a prayer of gratitude for the blessing they’ve been to you.
This Week’s Spiritual Practice: Seeing Blessing in Others
Each time you see another person today, practice seeing their goodness – their courage, their wisdom, their vulnerability, their unique beauty. Know that, just like you, this person wants to be happy and free of suffering. Know that just like you, they face their share of human struggles. Silently offer – “I see you. I see your goodness, Thank you for being here.” And offer a silent wish for their well-being – “May you feel held in God’s love.” “May you know your beauty in God’s eyes.”
“All we encounter in creation is everything that God loves. To behold God in all things is to live in complete joy.” – Julian of Norwich
“And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being.” – Black Elk
“Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes. If only we could all see ourselves as we really are. if only we could see each other that way all the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed. I suppose the big problem would be that we would fall down and worship each other.” – Thomas Merton
Additional Lent Resources
To read this week’s Facing Systemic Racism resource, terrarium instructions, and focus for families with teens please check out the entire Lenten Devotional here.
Families with children can follow along with the Sunday School at Home curriculum that follows the themes and activities as our all church devotional.