27th January

Mary's perfume

John 12, 1 - 8

She did not come to listen to a sermon although the best preacher was present. On that specific day her goal was not to listen to Jesus word at his feet (Luke 10, 39).

She did not come to pray neither to look for counsel like on the day when Jesus, the Master, resurrected her brother Lazarus.

She did not come with the intention to meet other disciples although fellowship with them always was a happy experience. At this specific moment she did not look for this company.

She did not come after a week's work and tiredness with the goal to be encouraged by the Master, knowing by experience, that he would be able to understand her better than anybody else.

No, Mary came at the moment when everybody got mobilized against the holy Son of God and when something was afoot against him. She came to pour an expensive perfume on his feet as a sign of respect. She had kept this perfume for him alone. She does not think about the disciples, neither about her brother neither about her sister. It is only Jesus who fills her heart with thankfulness and worship.

I wish to praise you, the despised Saviour,
I wish to pour pure and not mixed perfume on your holy feet,
perfume which comes from a broken alabaster vase.