Moment of Meditation: Anointed My Body for Burial (Mark 14:8-9)

Original Broadcast: Lent 2009

Monthly Theme: The Passion according to St. Mark

[Jesus said:] "She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for burial.
And truly, I say to you, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in memory of her."
(Mark 14:8-9)

"Anointed My Body ... For Burial"

An expensive waste of resources. That's what the disciples thought of this woman's actions. Three hundred days' worth of wages broken and poured over Jesus' head. In times of economic hardship, three hundred days of salary isn't always guaranteed. Almost a year of salary used in such a way that is deemed wasteful and lacking in stewardship.

But Jesus chastises His disciples for their short-sightedness. He knew what a faithful, selfless act this sacrifice truly was. Almost a year's worth of money used in anointing to prepare for His burial. This sacrifice was an object lesson to the disciples. The woman hadn't intended it that way, but Jesus uses it to point His disciples' thoughts to what He'd been trying to teach them--His death and burial.

Jesus finishes His statements to the disciples with a reminder, "For you always have the poor with you ... But you will not always have Me" (v7). Jesus' departure was soon. The disciples' intentions were good with their statements, but they were missing the big picture that was staring them in the face. May you, like the woman, see the big picture right in front of you. Jesus dead for you. Amen.