The woman takes a great risk as she enters the house that Jesus visits. She is ritually unclean, according to Jewish custom, because of her colorful life. As a woman used to engaging in physical intimacies with a man, she puts her life at risk of being expelled from the praying community. She does what is strictly taboo by letting down her hair in public, an abominable sight to those who witness this act. Nevertheless, does Jesus care?
For Jesus, this is a wonderful and affectionate act of love and worship. She has found that the man whom she anoints has forgiven her and He is unlike any other man she has known before. With the strength of affection, the woman’s display is nothing but a lavish gesture of devotion and thanksgiving. The room is filled with the fragrance of the oil. The disciples are aghast at the costliness of the act and Jesus accepts it all as part of the woman’s trust in the Lord. The act is prophetic, preparing the body of Jesus for its burial.
The woman gives us a perfect example of what it is to love the Lord, no matter what the cost. He has paid an enormous price in giving His life for us. What shall we give to the Lord in return for all the good He has done for us? In the scheme of things, the expensive nard is nothing compared to the cost Jesus has paid for us, the price of His blood. Let us be lavish in our affection and devotion to the Lord. Let us not be shy in showing Him the extent of love that is due to Him. As we enter the Holy Week, let us make a hundredfold return to the Lord for the favors He has done in our life. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Reflection Question:
What will I offer to the Lord?
Lord, I offer my life to You as a living sacrifice of praise. Amen.
St. Agia, pray for us.
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