Weekly Liturgy : March 31 - April 6
- Jess
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
REFLECTIONS
Thoughts from Jess:
Jesus was good friends with Lazarus and his two sisters Mary and Martha. They had a deep and close relationship with Jesus. While hosting this dinner to honor Jesus, Mary seems to be overcome with loving affection for Jesus. She brings her very expensive perfume to Jesus, falls at his feet and pours the fragrance. She takes her loose hair and rubs the nard into his feet. I think in any culture or time in history this scene feels a bit uncomfortable for those who see or hear it. This display of emotional intimacy is quite extravagant and is done in front of others.
Judas, a greedy thief, condemns Mary for her act. He uses the religious acts of justice to the poor as his grounds for condemnation. This shows how greed can overtake even the one who is in close relationship with Jesus. This pattern repeats itself throughout the history of the church. Jesus had proven himself as one with abundance for the poor. He healed, restored people to community and provided for those around him. He understood the abundance available for the needs of the world, he poured it out every day. Jesus’ reply to Judas shows that Mary’s act was the “right” way because she understood and had received this abundance, prompting her to act as unashamedly as she did. Judas used religious duty to the poor and Jesus flipped that on him and made it about love and relationship and abundance for all, especially the poor.
In the end, Jesus stands up and defends Mary, attributing her actions as prophetic voice declaring the death he is about to suffer. He uplifts Mary as one who speaks on behalf of God, making her a pure example of the deep loving relationship that is core to what Jesus came to do. The death he is about to suffer is from his deep love for us all. Would the church, the state, the community and each individual be like Mary and act in love and understand the abundance that is at hand.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Think of someone you care about. Is there something you can do today to show them how much you care? Do it, even if it’s a bit extravagant like Mary did.
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Sometimes, living nonviolently means not getting our needs met, even though they are valid and legitimate needs. What self-care can you offer yourself in these moments so that your nervous system doesn’t react in violence toward another human?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Some people can find peace and calm in silence. Try turning off your radio while driving in the car and just drive in silence. ry not to have music on or the TV on while at home alone. What thoughts or feelings come up as you have no audible distractions? Are you able to find a quiet center with no words or sounds running through your mind?
Questions for Reflection
When have you encountered the goodness of wasteful extravagance?
Do you ever rebrand your greed or selfishness as goodness or concern for others (like Judas)? What goodness might exist in our willingness to be more honest?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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