We are nearing the end of our Lenten journey. Just ahead of us lies Palm Sunday, when we will remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem, hailed as a king. Then, quickly, we shift into the events leading up to his death: his arrest, trial, and death. It is a moment for us to pause and take a deep breath.
In the Gospel lesson for the 5th Sunday of Lent (John 12:1-8), we find a similar moment.
Jesus is a guest at the home of his friend Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. We are reminded that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and now he sits at the table with the other guests. Although it is not mentioned here, Jesus was a guest in this home earlier in his ministry. On that occasion, Martha was preparing the meal, complaining that Mary wasn’t lifting a finger to help. Instead, Mary was seated at Jesus’ feet, eager to learn from him. Here, Martha is serving the guests. And Mary? Mary is no longer sitting quietly at the feet of her teacher. She has become active, assertive, even daring. The Gospel tells us: “Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.” It is an action of lavish love and hospitality. The fragrance of the nard fills the room. No one could miss what is happening here. Mary’s action is an extraordinary, lavish demonstration of love for Jesus. It is an act of intimacy, using her hair to wipe his feet. This event reaches beyond the specific time frame of this Gospel story. Jesus tells the others that Mary bought the nard to be used on the day of his burial. Past, present, and future are intertwined in this story.
In the final sentence of the Gospel passage, Jesus says of this moment, “. . .you do not always have me.” He is pointing to the future, anticipating his death. The reality that soon he will no longer be present to his friends and his followers. Not in the same way that he is here in this story. Not in the way that he has been throughout his ministry. Right now, in this time and this place, everyone should take a deep breath and focus on the moment. Focus on Jesus as present, as honored guest. Value what they have. Be aware of what lies ahead.
So we, like the people in the Gospel story, pause to remember and celebrate Jesus’ ministry. To give thanks for what has been. To gather our own courage for what lies ahead. As you move on in the final part your Lenten journey and into Holy Week, may it be a blessed time. Rich in anticipation. Rich in experience. Rich in meaning.
Peace,
Deacon Sue
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