I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? - Isaiah Mary anoints Jesus with her hair. This is a very important story for me. In 2010 I did my Masters Thesis on Mary Magdalene which included a brief study of the other Mary’s in the Gospels. This story offers us something new from Jesus. Jesus’ response to Mary is quite unique and important. And variations of it are found in all four gospels: Mary pours out an expensive bottle of perfume made of nard on Jesus (either on his feet or head). In every story it is received by shock and disapproval by others in the house. This is an anointing. It is what Kings’ receive. Judas neither recognized Mary’s authority nor Jesus’ identity when he suggests this act is a waste rather than recognizing it for what it is: an anointing. The way the Gospel of John is written is with an emphasis on WHO Jesus is: The word Messiah means “anointed one” and comes from the Hebrew word “anointed.” Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, also meaning “anointed one.” Mary anoints Jesus with burial nard. Jesus says "she bought this for me," or other interpretations read, "she has been saving it for me,” or “she has kept this for me.” I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Mary anoints Jesus both as King and for his death. She recognizes who he is and what is to come. As a prisoner of state - to die a death by crucifixion would deny him a proper burial. Mary understands this and really knows what Jesus is about to do - and who Jesus is. Death is in the air. This story directly follows the resurrecting of Lazarus who now also reclines with them at the table… "But the perfume that permeates the house and Lazarus’ presence point us to a new reality: Jesus’ power over death." (1) I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Mary understands his teaching in a way that many of the disciples still do not. Her act is not a simple act of selflessness as many theologians have written. Nor is it wasteful as Judas postured. This act is brazen. It is bold and it is shameless, even while it involves tears of sorrow. It is authoritative in stating that Jesus is King… of a Kingdom of peace - a new way to be in the world …In direct opposition to the “powers that be” and the kingdoms that exist. And what does Jesus do? Jesus defends her and this act. There are three other anointings of Jesus in the Gospels. Two are listed as having been from Mary of Bethany (sister of Lazarus) and two by an unnamed woman. Mary Magdalene has been associated with this unnamed woman throughout history. Jesus defends this woman “Mary” in a way that he doesn’t defend any other of his companions in all of the Gospels. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? What is quite unique is that, in each of these anointing scenes - this woman’s action becomes the focal point of the story rather than Jesus’ actions. And in its counterpart in Matthew and Mark’s versions, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” The ultimate point is that Mary recognizes God in her presence. ...And that is the hardest thing for any of us to do. Especially in the midst of chaos, fear and the presence of death…it is difficult for us to see God in our midst. Lent and these readings ask us to focus on God and to consider letting go of mortal things; “Things of the Flesh” as Paul says… And to focus on the eternal, the spirit. We often give things up for Lent; letting go of things, not so much to discipline ourselves, but as a gauge to help us recognize what is real, and true and important…to see what gets in our way of loving, being present to the people in our lives, or even to ourselves. We have so many responsibilities. It is endless. There never seems to be enough time. It is difficult to see God in one another and to be Christlike to and with one another. It is a struggle. Lent allows us that time to lament it, to claim that struggle boldly and without shame, that we are only human and we are walking on the path and working to find one another and God on that path. Paul speaks to the community at Philipi facing opposition and the fear of death. He offers himself as a model for one who is striving for faith. No one has to claim we already have it. It is our cross in this life… to work toward love and faith and trust in the face of all of our human fears. Even Paul says, “Not that I have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own… …forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” …Who makes all things new. Like Paul in his fear - and in our sorrow, with our tears like Mary, we can still brazenly say “Jesus has made us his own.” As we await the coming of Easter in our own lives, we press on with our own prayer in our own striving forward. This Lent… I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
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AuthorThe Rev. Heather K. Sisk Archives
July 2024
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WE ARE ALL MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD |
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