Can I get this started real early? Three points stand out: 1, Mary gives an extravagant gift, reflecting the extravagant gift Jesus has given her - the life of her brother, Lazarus - and, by extension, all of us; 2, this illustrates "the good is the enemy of the best" - even leaving aside Judas' real motives, helping the poor is important but devotion to Christ comes first - or put another way, helping the poor without that help being informed by our devotion to Christ is not what we are called to; 3, Mary gives this extravagant gift because she knows Jesus, knows who He is, knows what He does, what He can and has and will do... OK, let's go from here...Brad T. MA
"The poor you will always have WITH you." I've been thinking about this passage, though I am not preaching this week. Is Jesus not saying to the disciples (Judas,us) that WE will always be with the poor? Well at least Jesus ASSUMES his community will be with the poor - the reality of today is sadly otherwise. IF the poor are always to be with us, then likewise we are always to be with the poor. We will always live in solidarity with the poor - so says Jesus. Not as Judas would suggest - giving TO the poor, but "being with" them. Jesus is realistic about the continuance of extreme economic disparity, but makes no bones about where his disciples will be and who they will be with - always. The poor. Now, I am going for a week's holidays. See you in Holy Week! Mary
Mary gets it!!! She understands who Jesus is!! The gift is extravagent--but she gives out of love in her understanding of who Jesus is. Like Mary we must act in ways that show we understand who Jesus is and in ways that demonstrate our love for Jesus. Mother Theresa once said that she helps poor people becuase she see Christ in them. We have to start looking for Christ in everyone we meet.
Brad T MA---thanks for the early start...I especially like your third point: that Mary "gets" who Jesus is, and knows who Jesus is--unlike the disciples {us???} and those in authority. lee
Yeah, Mary gets it ... and I "got it" too ... the day I spilled my aunt's Chanel No. 5 in her bedroom while I was playing! To say the whole house was filled with the fragrance of my extravagance is an understatement! I wonder what this says to us about the way that our true worship of God manifests itself in our lives. There is a "un-hiddeness," if you will. There's something about the utter abandon with which Mary anoints Jesus that gives me a glimpse into the undeniable affect that our worship of God has on the world around us. Oh, that we were all felt so free to love Jesus - and to express that love - with such utter abandon and extravagance! The world couls be transformed by such worship ... MWW, Hartford
The Episcopal Eucharistic Lectionary uses Luke 20:9-19 (owner of the vineyard/cornerstone). Anyone want to discuss this Gospel? Preacherlady
This is one of the most intriguing pericopes I've worked on in a long, long time. Somehow this time around I'm seeing this story with fresh eyes. A new question is percolting in the back of my mind: (Being a "Martha" myself) I wonder what must have been going through Martha's mind as she observed Mary's act of worship? MWW, Hartford
Anyone preaching on the Philippians passage? I would welcome your suggestions.
David in Arizona
Anyone else have my problem? I hate this passage. It makes me uneasy, uncomfortable and downright grumpy. I have heard all the explanations of Mary's extravagant love of Jesus and how in this case such extravagance is justified, but for me it just doesn't ring true with everything else Jesus says about two shirts, and extra miles, and the rich young man, etc., etc. And I'm suspicious of John, who I fanatasize is justifying some pecadillo of his own. In the passage John has Judas say what he say from nefarious motives, but what if he were just trying to get Jesus to deal with the issue. "The poor you will always have with you" is so glib. I just wish the whole thing would go away. Which meeans I need to preach on it. Rats! Please help.
Jane in Lenox
Friends -- I, too was thinking about how this passage relates to the Mary/Martha passage -- here we are at their house again and it's Mary who is always doing "the right thing" I was wondering -- what all can we learn from Mary? And I was wondering about this pound of pure nard -- first of all, I am not sure what "pure nard" is. And, why did Mary have it -- it was worth a year's wages which means that she must have had it for some reason -- perhaps for Lazarus' anointing when he died? If so -- this might make a great connection between the two men (Lazarus and Jesus ) who were raised from the dead. And it is true that Jesus never does get anointed for burial -- that is what Mary Magdalene was going to do the morning of Easter. This would be the only time that Jesus would be prepared for burial. Again, another question that comes to mind is the parallel stories in the other gospels about women "of the city" or women who were "sinners" who anoint Jesus in this way -- are we to think that Jesus had been anointed other times in this same way or are we to connect these somehow. If we connect them -- what does that say about Mary, after all? This may not be something to pursue in a sermon -- identifying paralells -- but it did pique my curiosity. Still thinking. . .Lori in Luckey PS -- Hi to Ann in Albion.
Jane in Lenox is bothered by all this extravagance, I suspect, as many of us are. But I think it sure does fit in with Jesus' message and style. I'm still thinking of last week's story of the Prodigal Son. The whole story radiates with the radical extravagance of a father who gave out his inheritance before he died and then welcomed home his wayward son with a banquet. The real prodigal in the story was the up-tight brother who probably had never done an extravagantly passionate and spontaneous thing in his life. He'd stayed home and been a good boy. Saved his nickels from his paper route. Stayed out of trouble. Et cetera. C.S. Lewis admitted that he had always been such a conservative, cautious person himself--that as a boy he always bought toffee instead of chocolate even though he liked chocolate better. Toffee lasted longer. Lewis lamented such an outlook, and added that the appeal to practicality or safe investments was far away from the spirit of Christ and the wondrous love that spent itself on a Cross. So I think Mary somehow got it right. She was willing to love deeply in spite of the risks; she was willing to take a chance on being seen as foolish or impractical as she expended love, and I suspect it is in the nature of love that such extragance never runs out. (I used to hoard sermon ideas that way. When I found a good one, I'd sock it away because a better occasion to tell it might present itself down the road. I've got folders full of those articles and illustrations that I'll never be able to sort through. So at least in this one little respect I've learned from Mary. Use what you have. Trust that what's spent in love, in this present moment, will be replenished.) --Tim in Connecticut
Somewhere (I think in Christian Century...) I read a comment from Bill GAtes that he could spend his time "more effectively" than being in church on Sunday Morning. Worship is one of those extravagances--it's not "productive," not in the way that the world measures time (time is money!). Time --and money--that I spend with the numerous needy people, coming to our doors for "handouts" is not productive--not in the sense that it really ever brings about an end to their hopelessly complicated situations with then ten or twenty dollars most are asking for. That's why sometimes a Council member will question whether we should be giving these "handouts" because what are they doing to help themselves anyway? Spending money on the arts in the church is almost always up for a challenge, on the other hand, because we "could be using that money on the poor." When I think of it, many of the things we do as church are extravagant, lavish, "non-productive" uses of time and money. About as lavish as a God taking a day of rest or giving Us God's only Son to die for us...Lavish things, things without concrete, measurable, attainable goals, things that the richest man in the world might not see as particularly "effective" uses of time. Yes, I think this story is offensive, and I think it is meant to be offensive. Maybe having the poor WITH us always is a promise-- for our sake, not because God desires human suffering, but because wherever there is human suffering, Christians will be found WITH it, and using time and resources in lavish, redemptive--but not always effective or efficient--ways. Betsy in OHio, getting an earlier start for a change.
Betsy -- the question you raise about Jesus statement is a good one -- in fact this is a promise that comes from Deuteronomy chapter 15 verses 10 and 11 which reads: "Give generously to your brother, and do so without a grudging heart.,then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. The poor you will always have among you, therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and towards the poor and needy in your land." I think this might be what Jesus is alluding to when he says "You will always have the poor with you but you will not always have me with you." It seems to me that Jesus is basically saying when it comes to LOVE -- Carpe Diem -- Seize the Day. Once the moment is gone you can never recapture it. How often do we hold back from loving someone and then later say -- I wish I would have given them the time they needed -- they wanted someone to hold them or listen or just bless them with their presence -- we often pass up the opportunity to serve each other in Love.
All -- As I have spent most of my morning studying the text and musing over its possiblities, I think that may very well be the point. And notice how the fragrace of the perfume fills the dwelling -- it is contagious -- it is overwhelming the air -- hanging there and touching those who haven't even been anointed with it. My guess is that all who were there were "stinking" of the stuff by the time the evening was all over. Love is something that lingers -- lingers in our senses and in our minds. I am often overtaken by a scent. More powerfully than sights and sounds -- even old songs don't do the same thing for my memory. Recently, my husband bought me a jar of semi-costly perfume -- a perfume that I wore when we first met. I couldn't believe he remembered, first of all, but the effect it had on me the first time I put it on was overwhelming -- I began thinking about certain memories that had escaped me. The power of that scent probably stayed with the folks at that dinner forever. And each time they caught a whiff of NARD, they most likely were reminded of Jesus and that dinner just days before his death on the tree.
Also, I am left wondering after several reads whether the criticism is actually of Mary anointing Jesus with the expensive stuff or if it is aimed at Jesus for accepting it. Perhaps Judas (and the other disciples) thought Jesus was going against his teaching by accepting this type of offering/devotion. Or maybe they were jealous (much like the elder brother in last week's gospel. Maybe they were jealous of Mary's offering (recall Cain and Abel). How powerful are our emotions when we see someone who offers something so "precious" that we begrudge the fact that they even offered it. I think it was Deacon Sil who made the point that the displeasure Jesus shows is not that Judas thinks of the poor but rather that Judas criticizes Mary's offering . It is the criticism of what Mary has done that sets Jesus off -- because, Judas is unwilling to recognize her offering as having significance like unto that of caring for the poor. Perhaps it is not what all of us would have chosen to do, but we shouldn't criticize any action of love and devotion because it doesn't measure up to our expectations. In short, Jesus is letting us know if we approach an offering with our heart in the right place, God does not frown upon it. God sees our desire to love someone else and accepts it. Again, it is not the thing that we do but the reason for which we do it! Hope this helps. Lori in Luckey
To the question, what is "nard"? Nard, or spikenard, is an aromatic oil made from the stem and leaves of an herb which grew in India. It was kept in alabaster boxes because they were airtight so the fragrance was preserved.
Thank you, wise friends, what a great start. Brad T. in MA
Does anyone have any illustrations for this week's text? I'm struggling T in BIH
Does anyone have any illustrations for this week's text? I'm struggling T in BIH
12:8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." ?? you do not have me always??? what is wrong here ??? It is important that we understand this symbolism, if Judas represents the evil and wicked of this world. A point that is justified by the earlier reference to his evil nature being already a known, 12:6 (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.) Judas was evil before the moment of betrayal. Jesus was speaking directly to Judas, and to the wicked of this world as represented by Judas. Those with faith that is pure, will have Jesus always. Also we can connect with the actions of Mary in her having not only faith but also a clean and pure heart. It has been said the our word faith is related to the root of the Greek word that meant pure Also there is a relationship between the upcoming passover, the history of the lamb's blood being applied to post of the door as death passed by and of the upcoming blood of the lamb shed for you and me I'm still struggling to learn more about this scripture. Brother Randy Smyrna, TN
As much as we want to focus on the extravagance of the perufme, let's remember that this passage is basically a prophecy of Christ's death and Mary is acting that out. Also, as I read Lori's mention of her husband's gift of semi-precious perfume, we will be extravagant with our loved ones--why not with Christ? Doesn't Christ deserve the best we have? In using that costly perfume to bath the feet of Christ, Mary had more of a need to give it than Christ had to receive it. Surely someone will say that money given to church on Sunday can be withheld for more deserving causes, even given to soup kitchens to feed the poor--but do we not have more of a need to give our money than Christ has to receive it? We shouldn't have to give perfume to our wives or gifts to our spouses to prove our love, but don't we do it because it says something about our love in giving as much as it says about the recepient's acceptance? I have left you with too many questions here, I fear. Stan
I'm considering offering an anointing with oil of forehead or hands (parishoner's choice) for spiritual healing, wholeness, and that God would prepare each one of us for all that He will be placing in our hands, that we may serve Him faithfully. Leaving worship with the fragrant blessing, may bring home (in a small way) what a gift Mary gave to Jesus, helping to somehow prepare Him for the task ahead. What do you think? LS
LS: Great idea! But I'm still struggling. I can argue the standard interpretation of this passage all right. It still leaves me feeling very uncomfortable in the gut. And since no one else seems to have a problem with it, I also feel ashamed! Yes, I'm concentrating on the poor and not on the glorious extravagance, if that's what it is. Neither I or my congregation has any problem with extravagance. But the poor who will always be around to deal with, well manana will be fine for them. Do individual poor people subscribe to that point of view, I wonder.
Antsy Jane in Lenox
Perhaps Judas was trying to deflect Jesus from his journey to the cross when he said, "Why was the money not given to the poor?" By answering him, Jesus told Judas that he was not going to be stopped. Judas can't stop him; nobody can stop him.
All of this happened at a resurrection party. Mary knew that somehow it was going to be all right. She could be extravagant and sacrifical, but in light of what Jesus was going to do, she really wasn't being that sacrificial. To quote a good friend of mine "It was just her life-savings; it wasn't her life." We can only begin to be at all sacrifical when we understand Christ's sacrifice for us. LW in KS
To Jane - I read somewhere that Jesus was poor and that Judas was really wanting to talk about poor in general rather than deal with the specific poor man in front of him who had a need - to be anointed for his death. i don't plan to go there though. I am more intrigued with Mary's action beinga specific example of Paul's " I count all as loss because of Christ" - the perfume no longer meant an expensive thing to hold on to or use bit by bit in light of her love for Christ. It is still way to early in the week for me to be much beyond that. thanks to all of you for your sharing gifts. - rsw
To T in BIH -- I read an illustration for this text that is taken from a short story (author?) called the "Gift of the Magi". It is a story about a young woman and a young man who are deeply in love with each other -- they have very little money but want to buy their spouse something "priceless" for Christmas. The woman' most prized possession is her long hair that drapes around her shoulders like a robe -- Her husband thinks that her hair is beautiful and so he plans on getting her expensive tortise shell combs for her long tresses. The young woman knows that her husband's most prized possession is the pocket watch his father gave him before he died. She wants to get him a silver chain to keep it on. Well, Christmas eve comes and as the husband arrives home he notices that his wife is wearing her hair up in a scarf -- his excitement builds for her to open the gift and receive the combs so that she can wear her beautiful hair down. She sits down at the table and he passes her the gift. She opens it and begins to blush -- "try them on" the husband insists, but she says -- "Not before you open your gift". The young man opens the gift to find the silver chain -- Oh, darling he says -- I had to pawn my pocket watch to get you the combs. The young woman slides the scarf silently back across her head and her hair is chopped right to her cheekbones -- "But you see, darling, I sold my hair to the wig-shop to get enough money for the chain." It is a poignant, but fitting story, I think -- their love for each other was so great that they each sacrificed their most prized possession to buy the one they loved the most fitting gift.
L.S. -- I think your idea is great about using the oil -- it might go well for a children's sermon too! -- you could even anoint the kids' feet! It would especially work for a rather shy congregation that may or MAY NOT come forward.
Jane in Lennox -- I'm still musing over your difficulty with the text. I hear your concerns about the poor in the face of extravagance -- I guess I'm imagining a church that gets a large bequest unexpectedly and spends it all on sanctuary beautification -- or some such thing, without giving one penny toward benevolence (the spirit in which the original bequest was given). But then, having experienced some worship with folks who are from the inner city and living by a shoe string -- I can tell you some of their worship is more extravagant -- not in the appearance of the sanctuary -- but in the music, dress of the people, and the ritual -- than is ours in the rural/suburbia/mid-class type congregations. I don't know how to explain it but the character of their worship is much more extravagant than anything I've ever attended -- and in the same vein, more meaningful. The times I have visited settings of this sort and while I lived in NYC for 10 months, I came across a deep, loving spirituality much like what I see Mary reflecting here. I don't share your uncomfortability with the text because I have this frame of reference -- and these were very poor folks -- yet they were very extravagant in the way they "did church".
Hope this helps. Lori in Luckey
Episcopal Gospel for March 29th: John 20:9-19:
What is it about us? We think this life we have belongs to us, that we can do with it what we please - that we made ourselves, that we are respnsible to no one, we are self-created, that there is no God (yet we pay to him from tme to time in order to stay in control). I'll be damn if I am going to acknowledge authority out side of myself! The love that gave me this vineyard no longer has power over me - there is no longer solidarity with the owner wth his slaves, or with his son. I do not accept him as my Lord - I am the captain of my own turf.
Tom in GA (come back preacherlady!)
To Jane, I share your concern about Jesus' seemingly blowing off of the poor (I know it wasn't really like that but it seems to be). I wonder if John including Judas' motives might be the key to Jesus' glib answer. In 1 Corinthians 13, "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" And the rest of that little pericope (in Corinthians) is If I can do all this stuff and have not love, I am nothing (v1-2) so maybe Jesus knew Judas had no intention of sharing with the poor, or maybe Jesus knew that Judas' motivations were not out of love. That's the only way I can reconcile it because Jesus was extremely compassionate toward the poor; and he was himself very humble. Or else you could just dismiss it and say it was symbolic. But what fun is that?Jennifer in MS
Howdy to Tom in GA -- I sure hope we're reading the same Gospel. It is Luke, not John!
I am wondering what the original hearers heard in this Gospel. Were they experiencing massive rejection because Jesus had not yet come again? Had they started to do their own thing in Jesus' absence, and this is the writer of Luke's way of bringing them back to their senses? Is their "God forbid!" a cry of horror because they saw themselves in the story?
This whole idea of the owner of the vineyard leaving and the tenants hearing nothing from him for years is speaking to me right now. My parish is venting some frustration (and indeed, rejection) from the Bishop because they have largely been left to do their own thing. They have been doing fine, so they have been left alone. I recognize this is not the ideal way to have dealt with these people, but I have been trying to impress upon them that the road to the Diocesan Office runs both ways. How interactive have THEY been?
This is different than being captian of one's own turf, Tom. The dynamic at play is almost a "middle child syndrome." What do you think? Anyone else out there? Toss it around -- I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. Preacherlady
When I was in seminary there was on particular teacher who taught me and challenged me , and invited me to dig deep and excel in such a way that it felt like my soul was flying. I looked forward to doing some specialized study with him in my final year. Before that year, he announced that he was leaving to take a position in a seminary in another country. I was grief stricken. Words were not enough to express my gratitude to him. I felt I needed to give a part of myself, something personal. So I finished a hand embroidered wall hanging I was making - a beautiful and favourite design, cried over a lot of stitches and gave it to him as a farewell gift.
I was his student. I was not a social friend, confidante, lover or anything but his student. It was almost as if I had no "right" to grieve so deeply.
He later told me that the gift has hung since on his office wall.
I had no idea how the gift would be received. I just knew I had to give it - for my own sake, in my gratitude and in my sorrow.
When I read this story of Mary, I see her, not quite knowing what to do, then giving the most personal gift that she could - the perfume, the tears, the "letting down" of her hair - not sure how the gift would be received, but just having to give it to her beloved teacher and friend.
The commotion around her about "the poor" almost sounds like the throat clearing of uncomfortable bystanders, needing to make conversation, for the intimacy is too deeply personal.
"Leave her alone", is to me, the teacher understanding the power he has had in her life, the freedom he has given her to grow, and understanding her need to say thankyou, and to say she would miss him...she who has no familial or social "right" to express herself.
Jesus sets our souls to flying. Sometimes the need to share the gratitude is powerful, but our social or denominational sensibilities don't have a place for it.
Sometimes we're just to busy to make such symbolic acts of gratitude, or to weep those tears of joy He has stirred within us.
It might suffice to encourage the acknowledgement of the depth of meaning our Lord has in our personal lives - even those of us who don't use the "personal Lord and Saviour" lingo a lot. Thanksgiving is about the whoop it up gratitude. Perhaps this Sunday is a gratitude and Joy that comes from a different place, or is expressed differently. ...Just musing in Ontario
Stan (24 Mar; 0:48:18) is correct! This is about Jesus's death! (It is the 5th Sunday of Lent, after all.) EVERYTHING points to his death: In John, Passover always points to Jesus' death. In John we find no Passover last supper, for the Johannine understanding is that Jesus IS the Passover Lamb. Lazarus died (and was resuscitated), also an indicator. Also: "for the day of my burial" and "you do not always have me." Nard may not be myrrh, but this whole scene "breathes a life of gathering gloom." The Passion is nigh.
Tabasco Mike
P.S. Lori, wasn't it O. Henry who wrote "The Gift of the Magi?"
It’s a dinner party. The table is set (may be Mary helped this time) the guests have arrived. It is a celebration, sort of a birthday party, new life party for Lazarus. Friends, family, neighbors, and jesus and his disciples have arrived. The house is full of talk and activitiy. But we freeze frame the celebration for a moment to look at four persons. This is the celebration of the beginning of the end.
We look at Lazarus: They celebrate what should have been the end of his life but is now the beginning of a brand new life.
We look at Mary: She annoints Jesus feet. She knows exactly what she is doing for she annointed her brother in similar fashion not so long ago. She is performing the one act Jesus will soon command his disciples to do for one another. Mary is beginninga new life as a disciple of jesus Christ.
We look at Judas: Who is the disciple at the table? Not this one that bears that title. Judas misses the whole point. For Judas this is the beginningof the end. The final end.....
We look at Jesus: submitting himself to the annointing of death. Receiving it as a gift. Seeing Mary as servant ministering to his personal need. Jesus had great need for this is the beginning of the passion. For Jesus this is the beginning of the end of his earthly human experience. It is the beginning of the work of eternal salvation.
Close with Isaiah 43: I will do a new thing.
This needs elaboration and sets the stage for storytelling.
Blessings, Ann in Louisiana
We have a choice about how we can live in the face of dath. We can give extravagantly as did Mary, or live like Judas, grasping and refusing to give. The poor seem to be with us eternally, and a good place to demonstrate our giving, in view of the popular point of view that the poor are lazy. Jesus is making indirect reference it seems to Deut. 15:11 which says the poor in the land will never cease, and we should always be in minsitry to them.
Jim
For T in BIH... Ever watch "Babette's Feast?" It's a great illustration, even if you just tell the story. Babette is a French refugee during war, and washes up on the shores of Jutland, Denmark, in the midst of the gloomiest landscape and infrascape of the gloomiest pious Danes. Two sisters take her on as a cook/housekeeper, and teach her to cook this awful, overcooked tasteless food that is to their liking. For fourteen years, Babette serves them gratefully. One day, she receives news that she has won a lottery. She spends the entire large sum to fix a feast for the sisters and their religious community (founded by the sisters' sainted father). It is a very extravagent meal, served with the very finest utensils. At first the Danes hardly know what to do with the rich and elegant feast. As they start to enjoy the feast, one man starts to piece together the mystery. He served in the French war, and ate at a fine French restaurant once--the very best in all of France. This was the last time he ever remembered eating anything this wonderful. Indeed, Babette had been the chef at that wonderful restaurant, and had served that very meal. The movie ends with the once gloomy Danes making noises of enjoyment, with tears running down their cheeks saying "Taksa Mika, Taksa Mika..." Thank you, thank you. Rent the video. It's a rough go through the sections where the story is establishing how bleak the landscape really is, but the ending is really worth it. It's also in Swedish with English subtitles. Similar tales: "Like WAter for Chocolate" and also a story from Garrison Keillor about Pastor Enqvist's study trip to Florida. I remember the story, but can't place which book I read it in. Anyone know which one I'm thinking of? I'm indebted to my pericope group for bringing some of these to mind--Babette's feast has long been one of my top movies of spiritual significance. Betsy in Ohio
<I didn't have the right to grieve that deeply> said Just Musing from Ontario. Particularly here in the UK that was the response at the death of the Princess of Wales last year. Many of us, myself included, were surprised by the genuine grief we felt, which we had no 'right' to feel.As you no doubt saw, it got expressed in a way which was both pointless and poignant (heh! that's not bad! <G>) - a carpet of flowers left in front of Kensington Palace and various other places. I can't remember for sure, but I think it was estimated that a million bouquets were left at KP. No-one organised it, it was completely useless, there were far better things to do with the money. But people felt that they had to express themselves in this way. Mike - Guildford, Surrey (first time poster!)
Preacherlady:
You are correct it is Luke!
What do you mean "middle child syndrome?" My sense is that the keepers of the vineyard are fearful of exchange. The have been given the vineyard to care for (life) and they refuse to acknowledge the giver by returning to him/her the fruits of the earth. They wish to possess it themselves. I am not sure whether the giver, the landowner, has been absent or simply hidden in the land - sacramentally. We either live with a knowledge (faith) in God or we live as though he didn't exist or care for us. I think these "keepers" of the vineyard could not acknowledge anything beyond themselves - they refused the exchange - they desired live without the Lord of life.
What think ye? O preacherlady and others who share Luke's gospel
last night i realized that Judas' question isn't so much a bad question as it ignores the reality that Jesus' life is under threat. they are outside of jerusalem, where he can be seen, the "arrest warrant" is out, so to speak. while mary may hope that Jesus doesn'r get killed, she does touch Jesus' own grief at having to face his death. certainly the poor are important, but jesus' death is imminent, now. i think of people who have lost a loved one - like the parents in jonesboro maybe - and someone glibly saying, "oh it'll be better soon, rejoice." when thay want to say, "no cry with me , yell and mourn with me. my heart has been torn into pieces and stomped on." Jesus was human, and he needed those around him to understand that he was going to die. Judas of all has never seemed to get that, even when he betrayed him, it is as if he thought he would come down and start fighting and become a great earthly ruler. yes, death is what this is about - as Raymond Brown says, you don't anoit the feet of a living person, only the dead. (you anoint the head of the living) thanks for letting me share. rsw
Great thoughts,as usual! Here are a few more, hopefully helpful:
Yes, Mary's gift is beyond extravagent; it's out of sync with the values Jesus taught. What was she thinking? Why would someone who knew Jesus so well, who knew what he was about, spend so much money on such a ridiculous gift? Remember what Jesus has done for Mary: her whole family is indebted to him. It's because Jesus raised Lazarus from death that there's now a death warrant on him; after the raising, folks started talking about him, began to believe he was Messiah -- but the Pharisees were troubled because if Rome sensed a Jewish uprising, they were all in trouble. Jesus had to be squelched because he'd put the whole community at risk. He'd been in hiding ever since the officials put out the word that anyone who knew of his whereabouts must report to them. So, Mary, Martha and Lazarus are terribly aware, as they host the secret dinner in Jesus' honor, that the new life he has given them has cost him his own life. He has literally given his life for them. So this is no birthday party: it's a time to say thank you for an unspeakable gift, and a time to say good-bye.
So how would you say good-bye if you were Mary? Would a donation to the poor be adequate? "here, Jesus, I have a card for you. It reads: "The community soup kitchen has received a substantial donation in your honor from Mary of Bethany." It doesn't quite carry the depth of gratitude and debt that Mary must feel, does it? She has to give extravagently, sacrificially, intimately. She has to touch him. To express her indebtedness, her appreciation, her sorrow. Not that the poor aren't important ... but that Mary's heartfelt gratitude is too big to be contained in an ordinary gift. After he's gone, she'll still have more gratitude left over, and she can lavish that on the poor. She'll never run short on gratitude. Her appreciation for his gift will always overflow into giving for others (and so should ours).
A few illustrations that may be useful:
My neice, Kelley, was 3 when her big brother, Chris, turned 13. She was big enough to pick out his present for the first time, and she knew just what to get this young man who meant the world to her. She wrapped it in the prettiest pink paper she could find. "Open mine, open mine," she begged when we'd all gathered in the living room with the pile of gifts in front of Chris. And he, feeling momentarily obedient to this urchin who was the bane of his existence, tore the pink wrappings off the box. A look of pure joy filled his face as he cried with a grin, "A Barbie! Just what I wanted! Thank you, Kelley!" and he threw his arms around her in a huge bear hug. We all know that a Barbie doll is a ridiculous gift for a 13 year old boy. But Chris saw beyond the gift to the heart of the giver. He knew that to his little sister, a Barbie was the ultimate. Ridiculous, inappropriate, it didn't matter. He received her gift with grace born of love.
An overjoyed young novice of the Missionaries of Chrarity in Calcutta came to Mother Teresa crying out, "Mother, for six hours I've been handling the body of Christ!" She meant that she'd found a man in the street whose condition was so bad that it had taken her six hours to get him cleaned up, comfortable, and in bed. Her joy at the priveledge of ministering to and through Christ reflects Mary's style of generous giving.
We just don't "get" wasteful giving: Someone donated a diamond ring to the Catholic Workers' house. Everyone wondered what Dorothy Day would do with it. Sell it to buy food for the poor? Or to provide decent housing for someone in need? A woman who came to the house regularly for companionship and aid saw the ring and commented that she liked it. Without a pause, Dorothy Day gave it to her. Everyone asked her, "WHY did you do that???" Day responded: "Do you think God created diamonds only for the rich?"
Grace and Peace, Kay
Episcopal Lections: Luke 20 +
Aristotle's, Nicomachean Ethics, Book IV discusses Liberality, Prodigality, and Illiberality (no doubt the Prodigal Son bears the stamp of Aristotle's discussion). In this parable the focus is on illiberality. Listen to Aristotle: "Illiberality is incurable for most people are fonder of money than of giving money away; it consists of a deficiency of giving and excess of taking; skinflints - unwillingness to give to anybody, a sordid love of gain.
Is this not the tenants in the vineyard? The iniquity of the elder son remains with us today. The elder son does not see God, or grace in his life. He believes that everything comes from hard work. He lives by rights, fairness, and duty. God's grace is not to be found. He willfully withholds himselfform what to him seems unfair. How dare the owner of the vineyard to come a ask for a share?
Anyone else dealing with this proper?
Richard Avery and Donald Marsh wrote a song in 1970 (I know, it is ancient by contemporary Christian music standards!) called "Love Them Now." The refrain says:
Love them now. Don't wait till they're gone away. Love them now, While they're around. Touch them, hold them, laugh and cry with them. Show them, tell them, don't deny with them. Honor them, give birth and die with them now. Love them now Before they're just a guilty memory. Love them now, Love them now.
Too often, we want something for itself, rather than for how it can aid our relationships -- with God, with our family, with others. When the thing becomes the focus, it is then that it becomes "a pound of nard." By that I mean, it is seen only as a means to something else -- later.
What do we hold back because it might have good use somewhere else, only to realize that there is always "somewhere else"? I think this passage is a clear call to us to "love them now!"
Nick
Two early, unedited thoughts to throw into the mix - 1 - When people give, how often do they give freely, no strings attached, without any expectation of a quid pro somewhere down the line? Just did a funeral where the memorial giving was predicated on the deadee's name going up on a wall - that was the primary motivating factor in giving to the church and not the cancer Soc'ty. Mary gave freely and totally - much like the illustration some weeks back of the young woman who stood barefoot in the collection plate - how many of us could imagine giving so totally and unreservedly? Not the keepers of the vineyard! 2 - there is an element of sensuousness to this story, if you take the time to picture it - Jesus [gasp!] enjoying the woman's touch as she anoints him - a pound of nard would take awhile! - perhaps entering into it fully as one of the last kindnesses he would receive - so different from the shredding of the lash and the abuse from the Romans. But the church has ever been uncomfortable with any thoughts of sensual delight, and especially so in the context of Christ - Was Judas so totally concerned about money, or about more than just the `financial inappropriateness' - How many times do people give only in ways that are comfortable to them, and disapprove of the things which cross their comfort-zone - with the unspoken rider that, "If I don't approve, God doesn't either!"
p.s. Preacherlady, how goes it - I'm still offline since my office hard drive crashed, so please give me your new address - send to peter.swire@sympatico.ca
Kristine!
PPS - when Jesus said 'you always have the poor with you', what are the chances that he meant, not the economically disadvantaged, but Judas and the spiritually disadvantaged - like the insurance agent I spoke with yesterday who assured me that even though he doesn't `show up on Sunday' he still supports his church by giving money - he said this proudly, as though the money was really the part that mattered!
Kristine!
It seems to me that a woman, mary, is intuitively heralding the end of Jesus ministry just as another Mary, his mother, knew the beginning of it. How courageous she must have been to have entered the room of the all male dinner party, to let her hair down, to empty a jar of nard when a couple of teaspoons would have done the job. of course there was someone to condemn her. There always is isn't ther when we take a big risk for Christ's sake, some action that doesn't make sense to our logical and practical minds. Sometimes the Judas voice is within us, that paralyzing inner critic that often controls our actions. When I was in college, a sociology professor gave us extra credit if we would break a societal norm, then write a report on it. One guy entered a restaurant and seated himself at a dirty table where he proceeded to finish someone else's plate of leftowver food. (It had been arranged ahead of time between the parties, but the restaurant staff was unaware of it.) Another girl washed her clothing in the swimming pool of the apartment where she lived using a big box of Tide on a Sunday afternoon. Reaction in both cases was swift and harsh. Let's not be too quick to pounce on things that don't always make sense to our left brains. Thanks for your comments. Pat in Houston.
Lori & LS: I was going to preach on Philippians, now I'm not so sure. I'm wondering about the ability to combine your ideas. Carpe Diem -- I have a parishoner in hospice care who (on Sunday 3/22) shared some concerns on fear, which we talked and prayed about, following a nap, he declared that he did not think the end was far off, thanked me for all I had done, told me he loved me and then proceeded to call in other family members, especially wife and children to "bless" and tell them of his love for them (in essence "good bye") -- almost text book hopsice. The point being he did not wait, nor was he reluctant to hold back his expressions of appreciation, gratitude and love, but in his own way shared them extravagantly from a postion of faith. That expression of love will "stink" and stick to the memories of all those persons (including myself) and will (for a while, anyway) give us some fragrance. Then by offering the scented oil, the image connection can live long after the sermon. I'm shifting gears and thinking... therevvv (PA)
Thinking of Mary's extravegant gift of love - pouring such expensive perfume on Jesus' feet - makes me wonder what "crazy," extravegant, foolish things we do or give because of our own love for God in Christ, too.
In light of Bill Gates comment - worshipping God on a Sunday morning certainly is a "crazy" thing to do - for those without eyes to see - after all there are so many other more valuable ways to spend the time (like sleeping in, or golfing, or fishing, or....) "What's so important about the Word and the Sacraments anyway?" - many wonder. "What's so important about praising God?" - many ask.
So, too, there are so many "better" things to do with our money than giving some of it (expecially a reckless amount of it) away - in the offering plate on a Sunday morning. (We could, after all, spend it on ourselves - newer cars, bigger houses, more stuff ....)
So, too, there are so many more "sensible" ways to spend our time - than reading a book that's well over 2000 years old. (We could watch tv, or video's, or read any number of other things)
Others come to mind for you?
It's all crazy - EXCEPT Mary, like Paul after her, knew the inexpressible joy of a relationship with God in Christ and nothing can possibly compare with that. In fact, nothing, even expensive perfume and all the right stuff on our resume' really matters in comparison.
So, too, with us? When we are in relationship with the one who is indeed "the resurrection and the life" - everything pales by comparison - and we discover these things aren't so "crazy" after all - they are in fact quite "natural".!? Grace and Peace, Jerry, MN.
As always, there is certainly some good stuff here! You all are such a blessing.
One thing which we need to remember is that Jesus and probably Mary as well, were part of the "poor." As we recall, Jesus "had no place to lay his head." Therefore, when Mary annoints Jesus, indeed, it is an annointing of the poor by the poor. It is a gift of magnanimous portion. It is a gift to honor the one who has given life, prior to his death.
However, it is equally important to realize that we must not decontextualize this passage as in doing so, leads to deep abuses of the ethic of Christ. I have heard this passage quoted in Admin Board meetings as fodder to support spending $6000 (thats right) on grounds maintenance rather than a shelter for homeless women and recovering addicts. After all, "the poor will always be with us," and as I was reminded, "folks won't come here to give funds for that shelter if we don't have beautiful grounds." Sigh...
But the extravagant gift, especially from one who is poor is necessary. In accepting the gift of Mary, Jesus honored her and uplifted her. Jesus showed love toward her and did not rebuke her.
A few years ago, I had the remarkable privilege to spend a great deal of time working in refugee relief. One of the families to whom I grew very close was living in a camp in Slovenia. They were Bosnians whose home had been burned and whose lives had been destroyed. They literally fled their home just yards ahead of the approaching Serb army who would have killed them. They left with nothing and, when I met them, that was still their status in life -- existing in a refugee camp with nothing.
I fell deeply in love with this wonderful family. I watched as they struggled to maintain dignity and grace in the face of such nightmarish horror. I watched as Mara, the mother, somehow managed to continue to proclaim hope for her children. I watched as Dragon, their oldest son, grappled with being 18, living in a camp, and refusing to go and kill for the sake of nation and religion. I watched as he was ostricized by others in the camp who thought he should take up arms and defend his heritage, while he tried to live a higher truth.
On the birthday of Davro (the middle son), Mara invited us to come and join their family. There were four of us whom had become close friends with them. We often took them food, medicine, and money. We were glad to go and join them in this festive occassion. What we were surprised to find was that Mara, using a hot plate, much immagination, and a few very limited supplies, had put together a remarkably large meal. Though this was Davro's birthday, we soon realized that the meal was not so much for him, as it was for us. Initially, we were stunned and did not want to take so much from folks who had so little, but we realized, in accepting her beautiful gift of love, we in fact, honored her. In receiving her gift, she was uplifted and affirmed. And joy was experienced by all.
There have been no gifts in my life that have meant more to me than the meal which Mara gave. We knew that because she prepared such a feast, she and her boys, would go without. We knew that they would subsist on limited camp rations and that they could little afford more hunger, yet, the gift was her's to give and she gave it out of love.
Mary reaches out to Jesus with the same love. Jesus honors and upholds Mary by receiving this gift which was of great worth.
Though soup kitchens (and ministry in refugee camps) are desperately needed and of great worth, the picture of Kingdom is much more closely realized in the gift of extravagance, much closer to the wedding feast than the line of the soup kitchen.
In the darkness of the soul of Judas, there was simply no room for the party. God forgive me when I find myself looking much more like Judas than Mary. Shalom, Nail-Bender in NC
Just a few thoughts friends. First of all -- welcome to Mike in Guildford, Surrey, I love your Princess Diana illustration. It is contemporary and still accessible to our memories. I'll probably be using it.
Tabasco Mike -- yes, indeed, it was O. Henry who wrote "The Gift of the Magi". Sometimes my memory doesn't recall-- thanks for refreshing it.
Musing in Ontario -- I was really taken by your "seminary" story -- I have had a few instances like that where I just didn't know what to give because everything seemed insignificant. What a great story to use. Blessings this Week -- your people will love the personal stuff -- it makes you real to them.
Also, can someone please let me know what the story about standing barefoot in the collection plate is all about. I don't have the time to search back through the weeks and find it -- it must have been before my DPS time. Thank you.
Finally, Steve, in Orange -- are you out there this week? I look forward to hearing your comments. Peace to all, Lori in Luckey
In light of the recent tragedies, 11 young people dead in my home state of Pa. and 5 dead in Arkansas, I see a big wake-up call to Americans from God. The question that comes to mind is "Who's watching the children?" Jesus' going to the cross, bridged the path for all 16 to cross over into eternity with Him. As the church, we need to take the wake up call seriously and be about sharing the message with an urgency and seriousness. I have decided to anoint this Sunday, as a reminder of "who we are" and "Whose we are", and that we be prepared for the work that has already been placed in our hands, based on current happenings. I've decided to end the worship with "Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love",.... a hymn in the United Methodist hymnal, p. 432. LS
Her name is Maria Luisa and she lives in Caborca, Mexico. She has a very small home with a dirt floor she sells candy to local children so she can raise enough money to pay her grandsons jr. high tuition. He lives with her.
Her church has been going to Caborca for three years now. We have roofed and painted the little church there. We have installed playground equipment and a basketball hoop. We are also blessed to offer free dental work.
During our last trip we took twenty-five youth and adults to Caborca. Maria Luisa made Tamales, beens and tortillas for the whole team. It was stagering to think of what she would have to do without in order to feed our group. just the thought made you lose your appetite. I don't think that we can ever gvie more to the poor than the poor can gvie to us.
Todays lesson is a call to do much more than give money to the poor. It seems Jesus requires us to be with them. My experience teaches me that this is probably more for the bennefit of the wealthy than for the poor. Although the poor may get some physical needs met the richness of spirit that will be returned is infinetly more valuable. Dan AZ
Wow! The contributions this week are amazing! So deep, so uplifting.
I can't resist referring one more biblical example of extravagant giving: 1 Chronicles 11:17-18, where David longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem. Three brave soldiers risked their lives, breaking through the enemy lines to get the water. And when they brought it back, David poured it on the ground. That was lavish giving going two ways! Love given and love received. Much like Mary and Jesus.
Clare in Iowa
I am tying in the Isaiah passage w/gospel this week. While the Hebrew people were frequently commanded to remember their history, at this point Isaiah is reminding them not to get tied to the past. "Behold, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Mary percieves the new thing that is about to spring forth and responds with gesture of extravagance that showed her complete commitment and love. Too often, we are caught in Judas' bookkeeper mentality. We are called to extravagant love; see what Jesus has done for us, see the new thing that springs forth, follow Jesus into the world of poor, hurting, oppressed and offer them his extravagant love. Lots of great stuff out there this week. Jane, go ahead and be bothered; it helps the digging out process and uttimately you will probably have a better handle on the whole thing than the rest of us! Linda in C. S. P.S. Hi to AJ in Oregon!
>Betsy's reference to Babette's Feast reminded me: Several months ago a couple of us were inspired to invite friends to the first "Feast and Film" night. (We hope to do four: Babette's Feast & French food, Like Water for Chocolate & Mexican, Eat, Drink, Man & Woman & Chinese, and Big Night & Italian - great films, great cuisines.) Anyway, everyone was responsible for part of the menu which had been worked out ahead of time. The idea was that, in keeping with the way food was the expression of love (and other things) in these movies, we would eat, feast style, one course and then another and then another over a couple of hours or more. In and around all this food we would see the film and talk about it and any thing else. What we discovered was that our friends came prepared for potluck. That is, they were prepared to eat a few things from the collection of the food on the table, but NOT some of everything - feast style. They weren't prepared to feast and therefore couldn't do it! We're not very good at excess. Jesus knew how to receive embarrassingly extravagant love. Isn't the Lenten journey preparation to receive embarrassingly extravagant love? If the point of the story is Jesus' impending death, then the point may also be taken that we receive such love on the cross - embarrassingly excessive because we do not deserve or believe we need it.
>On the poor who are with us. Previously this passage forced me to spend several other Sundays on the Bible's references to our relationship to the poor. This is not a HIGH Sunday, so the folks in the pew will be there other times. The abuse of this text to justify our lack of identification with and neglect of the poor can be addressed at other times if need be. AJM in PA (first time)
Let me add my thanks to you who contributed the useful and wonderful thoughts regarding the John 12:1-8 text. And mostly women, I see. (And I was once among those who doubted that women should be ordained preachers. O me of little faith!) I first started accessing this website a few weeks ago, and I'm glad I did. I have no spikenard for your feet, but consider it poured. Jim from B.C.
Jim from B.C. -- consider it received in Jesus' name -- I think I could speak for all of us when I say that. Lori in Luckey
The Lections: Common Lectionary: In memory of her Roman Catholic: Stoning of one caught in adultery Episcopal: The Vineyard growerd tenants
It seems to me the theme is the same - it has to o with the Refusal of Exchange - the inability for us to live in a larger reality beyond ourselves or our ideas. We unable to understand Mary's gift, our forgiveness, or those who come to collect the share from the landlord unless we open ourselves to the mystery 'in which we live and move and have our being.' This refusal to co-inhere brings Jesus to the Crossad brings us to the Cross as well. This Sunday traditionally was known as "Passion Sunday" - leading us toward Holy Week. May we invite our hears to enter teh 'new thing' God is doing, for grace is being offered again and again to us - how then will we respond?
Tom in GA
Brothers and Sisters, I share this poem that came to me. It really doesn't belong on a lection discussion page, but it concerns us all. This is for our children, all of our children, all of God's children.
A PRAYER FOR THE CHILDREN
We pray for the Children who sneak popsicles before supper, who erase holes in math workbooks, who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire, who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, who never "counted potatoes," who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead, who never go to the circus, who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions, who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no safe blanket to drag behind them, who watch their parents watch them die, who can't find any bread to steal, who don't have any rooms to clean up, whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser, whose monsters are real.
We pray for children who spend all their allowance before Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food, who like ghost stories, who shove dirty clothes under the bed, who never rinse out the tub, who get visits from the tooth fairy, who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool, who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone, whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who aren't spoiled by anybody, who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, who live and move, but have no being.
We pray for children who want to be carried and for those who must, for those we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother . . . and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it. ....and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great."..." Luke 9:48 Fellow Wanderer in IN
Wonderful comments, as usual. I'm going to focus on the extravagance of Mary's gesture towards Jesus, and compare that with the 'extravagant love of Jesus.' I'm going to quote the vows from our Service of Christian marriage: "With all that I am, and with all that I have I will honor you....." Isn't that how Jesus loves us? Extravagantly! Without holding back anything... not even his life?
Compare that attitude with Judas, "who knew the COST of everything, but the VALUE of nothing!" He stands as a caution to the church about how we use our resources in Jesus' name... and that sometimes we must be risky and extravagant in our giving... especially for the sake of the poor. Maybe Jesus was reminding his friends (and us) that indeed, 'there will always be those among us who have less than the rest of us.' We would be less than faithful to the Gospel if we were to ignore their needs, since we know that when we do so, it's as if we were ministering to Christ himself.
Hope these thoughts are helpful to some. Pianoman
It was in the spring of 1883, two young medical students at the university of Michigan had just completed their last class. In a couple of weeks they would be graduating and heading off to begin their medical careers.
The one said to the other, "Why don't you go with me to New York, Will? There are a lot of wealthy peole ther and we oculd be a great team. We would be rich in no time." But Will said to his frind, "I'm sorry, Ben. I'd love to work with you. You're my friend and I enjoy being with you. But I think I'll just stay here in the midwest.
"What a WAste! You're a fool!" said Ben. "This is no place to practice medicin. There's no money here....just small towns and farmers. You'll never make a dime out here."
"You're probably right," said Will. "But these are my roots and I want to serve the people here." "Think of it this way," said Ben, "You are one of the most gifted students this school has ever produced. You've got incredible talent. You would become one of teh finest surgeons in teh world. You owe it to yourself to go to New York where you will be recognized and acclaimed."
"Thanks," said Will. "I appreciat your confidence and your compliments. But I'll stay right here."
So BEn headed off for New York and Will headed back to Minnesota where he would be a horse and buggy doctor along with his father and serve the simple folk in the small towns and on the farms of that area.
"What a waste," we say. "Just think what he could have done." But do you know who Will was? Along with his brother, Charles, he formed a clinic that today is one of the most respected clinics in the whole world, the Mayo Clinic.
Not sure if this works with the text...but it is a great story. LS
(continued.....
"What a waste!" we say. "Just think what he could have done." But do you know who Will was? Along with his brother, Charles, he formed a clinic that today is one of the most respected clinics in the whole world....the Mayo Clinic.
Jim in B. C.--Let me add an amen and amen to Lori in Luckey's response! Linda in C.S.
Whose anointing are we witnessing? Could it be that a person is not only anointed, that a very basic path of our joourney is anointed - the path of a willingness to share love in whatever way we can with what resources we have? The reality of the poor ever about us, not just poor in funds, but poor in strength, courage, faith, etc. constantly call for the investment of love. Fletcher was right, I think. The question Jesus asks of us in every situation is: What does love require of me. bob, so. ind.
It strikes me that "Mary gets it"....precisely because she "does it".....anoints Jesus with spice WHILE he is alive.....not after he is dead. Do it now!...Be extravagant in love for those who are alive....Don't wait...for one day it will be too late!...Carpe diem....as a previous contributor put it.....LS in Fayetteville
Fellow Wanderer in IN -- thanks for the prayer for children -- next week is the week of the young child -- I think I will use it either just before or just after "children's time" at church. People need to be aware how important are little ones are even IF they make noise in church -- even if they spill cheerios and fruit loops or raisins during the message. Thank you for sharing. Lori in Luckey
Fellow Wanderer in IN -- thanks for the prayer for children -- next week is the week of the young child -- I think I will use it either just before or just after "children's time" at church. People need to be aware how important are little ones are even IF they make noise in church -- even if they spill cheerios and fruit loops or raisins during the message. Thank you for sharing. Lori in Luckey
Fellow Wanderer in IN -- thanks for the prayer for children -- next week is the week of the young child -- I think I will use it either just before or just after "children's time" at church. People need to be aware how important are little ones are even IF they make noise in church -- even if they spill cheerios and fruit loops or raisins during the message. Thank you for sharing. Lori in Luckey
Lori in Luckey - in brief - the story is out of Africa, I think - about a church where a collection plate was being passed around - when it came to one young woman, she gently set the plate down on the floor, carefully removed her shoes, and then stepped onto the plate - she stood there, head bowed and eyes closed, in silent prayer for a moment, before carefully stepping back out and returning the plate to its circulation - in the act of doing so, she was offering herself completely - a parallel to the unreserved offering of Mary to Jesus - it struck me as a powerful image of the sort of giving we are called to do, as opposed to the directive, strings attached, socially acceptable/convenient type we often do/see.
Hope this helps - and chalk up another enthusiastic AMEN!!
Kristine!
I am considering "Spin Control." Mary does a good deed. To take the attention from Mary, Martha uses "Spin Control" and suggests that Mary should help her in the kitchen. Judas uses "Spin Control" to take attention from Mary's deed by suggesting the perfume should have been sold to help the poor. Jesus said to leave her alone (No Spin Control). GTK Alabama
Kristine, A dear friend and mentor, Uncle Jack McAdoo had a huge offering plate made and would use it here in western PA during his altar calls. At Summer Camp he would invite the campers to come forward and step in the plate and offer themselves to God. Couples were even married in the offering plate. Thanks for memory tickle. John
My title: "Religion or Love Affair?" Our faith too often degenerates into a religion of obligation and guilt. Older brother stuff. Mary teaches us a relationship of love. Such emotionalism tends to make us (me) uncomfortable. But guilt and obligation are lousy motivators and cannot be sustained in the long run. Joni Mitchell: "to say I love you right out loud" The praise songs that we've been singing aren't afraid to say, I love you Lord. The hymnal talks about love as an abstract concept, rarely in the first person. Larry from cny
Thank you Kristine for "the rest of the story" Also -- sorry about triple-loading my comments last time. Something went wrong with the submit button and I wasn't even sure it was sent. Finally I gave up and logged off only to come in this pm and see it 3x!!! Sorry. -- Lori in Luckey
Probably too late but one quick note. Lori, I know I probably take out of context what you mean. I agree motivation is important; however, the thing we do is VERY important. I (and I'm sure you) have known many many people who have the "best" intentions, yet, never seem to be able to follow through. I sit with folks each week in a small church which offers santuary to children living in the middle of poverty, violence, and very limited choices, and listen as some of the elder members proclaim their undying love for the children; however, never seem to move beyond their proclimation. I believe that they "believe" they love the children, but when the rubber meets the road, their actions don't bear out their proclimation. Remember, even Jesus calls to us as he says, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but fail to do the things which I tell you?" Why indeed? It is because our actions don't bear out our belief or our motivation. Some of the most powerful moments of my life have been when I was engaged in ministry and did not want to be there. Actually, sometimes I have been extremely begrudging in being present. As you lived in NY you can probably relate. Poverty, violence, and drugs are the realms of horror and nightmare, yet, there have been moments when I was enmeshed in the stench of that nightmare when suddenly, the Spirit has shown through in truly miraculous ways, pushing aside my anguish and my despair.
Actions matter, and so that you don't feel insulted (for certainly that is not my intent) know that I am not arguing with you for I know you believe actions matter or you would not have aligned your life as you have; nevertheless, I guess I did want to make the point, even at this late hour. Perhaps more for me than for you. Shalom my Sister. Nail-bender in NC
Insightful Friends-- When it comes to worship, sieze the day. When it comes to love, seize this moment. Mary was going to save the nard for Jesus' burial. She didn't. She acted in the moment and poured out her gift, her heart and her tears. I would bet anything that there are parents, siblings and friends in Jonesboro, Arkansas this week who are wishing they had seized the moment a few more times-- that they had poured out their love a little more extravagantly, that they had not been afraid to be unabashedly intimate and extravagant in their love. Let's not forget them as we move toward the cross. Thanks for such enormous help in an especially busy week. My sermon this week is a melange of your comments and insights. Blessings, love and gratitude-- Steve in Orange