this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s
wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her
harshly. (Mark 14: 4-5)
Picture the scene in your mind. A dinner given with Jesus as a guest
of honor. All gathered at the table when suddenly this woman
appears with a vial of expensive perfumed oil which she proceeds to
pour on Jesus’ feet and wipe them with her hair. In itself an
outrageous gesture. But the cost of this oil! Half-a-years’ wages!
Unbelievable!
Indignation at a gift - a gift of love! Indignation at the timing! Little
understanding her or its meaning or intention. The woman involved is
often assumed to be Mary Magdalene but even if she’s not Mary, at
least she comes with a gift of love. The response from those around
her is the dismay at the pure waste when there are so many poor in
need. For this is a really extravagant gift, its intention mistaken and
assumptions made about the person offering it. Perhaps, you and I
need to look more clearly at our assumptions about the actions of
others!!
Fr. Ted Bishop
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