Moment of Meditation: To Prepare Me (Matthew 26:7-12)

''A woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table. [Jesus said,"] In pouring this ointment on My body, she has done it to prepare Me for burial" (Matthew 26:7, 12).''

The woman who had been seen by the disciples as a waster of material resources is praised by Jesus for her service. The highest praise that could be given to anyone at that time. This woman was preparing Him for His burial. Because His burial would be a rushed affair. Everyone wanted to be back home with their families at sundown to begin the Passover. They rushed through the process. And the women, maybe even this woman, had to come back on Easter morning to finish the job.

But this woman had, knowingly or unknowingly, put the disciples back in mind that Jesus had come in the flesh to die. She anointed Him so that He would be ready when He was buried.

Sometimes we find that those who are supposed to be great leaders in the Church often need a reminder of what's important. And what's important is that Jesus died for you. This message cannot be repeated too often. It's forgotten way too easily. It needs to be repeated over and over again. It is the most important message. The message of forgiveness. The message of life through death because Jesus did not stay buried. But He rose on the third day so that the gates of Heaven will be opened for you when you arrive. Amen.