Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 

Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. (New Revised Standard Version)

Sharing a meal around a table is much more than just eating some food together. There is the chance to look one another in the eye. An opportunity is afforded to truly see one another and find acceptance. The conditions are ripe for receiving the blessing of blessings.

Please notice with me that on this last week of Christ’s earthly life and ministry, the people who are around the table with Jesus. He shares his cup with his disciples, including both women and men. Mary and Martha are there, along with Peter, James, and John, and, of course, Judas Iscariot, as well.

Jesus, those various people, and others, had the great privilege of looking into the eyes of Jesus, and having Jesus look directly into theirs. It appears, however, that not everyone took advantage of this situation. But Mary did. She evidences having looked into the face of Jesus, and having Jesus gaze into her eyes with divine love.

To look, to see, to gaze, is to connect. To look away and not see, is to disconnect. It is the difference between acceptance and rejection. Jesus looked as long as he could at the friend he loved.

Let us never forget that the presence of God needs to be experienced – not just in the mind, nor even only in the heart – but as a feeling in every cell of the body.

Christ’s divine gaze communicated more than words ever could. Mary knew she belonged with God, and became convinced she was accepted and loved. So, she did what a person who has been touched with the eyes does: Mary responded with the most heartfelt devotion she could, with what she had at the time.

Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume by using her own hair to apply it. She shared in the presence and in the love of Christ.

This really ought to make complete sense to the one reading this story whose life has been seen and touched by Jesus. For through such divine love, we become a witness in testifying to the light, much like John the Baptist. The one devoted to Jesus understands that they are not even worthy to untie the thong of Christ’s sandal.

Women never touch a rabbi. Yet, long ago in the town of Bethany in Judea, a woman was worthy to do even more than untie a sandal – Mary was permitted to anoint Christ’s feet. The house became filled not only with the fragrance of the perfume, but also with the aroma of Mary’s witness to us of Jesus and his incredible work in her life as a disciple.

In considering such a story on this Monday of Holy Week, it’s easy to focus on what Mary did, how much it truly cost her, and even on the pathetic and judgmental reaction of Judas to it all. Yet, here we see, if we are looking, what Jesus does for Mary.

The love of Jesus turned Mary into a witness. Jesus lifted her up, even above all the men. And that is what Christ continually did for the lowly, the outcast, the ostracized, the poor. For to them belongs the dominion of God.

Through a simple heartfelt response to Christ’s love, we are filled with the aroma of God, experience a cup of blessing, and see the light of Jesus for us. What’s more, the world’s judgmental spirit is undone. Judas is silenced, along with all of our petty selfish agendas.

Mary directs us to Jesus, and to all those who were previously unseen, unloved, and rejected. Mercy simultaneously puts away the judgmental spirit so it is not seen, while bringing the poor in spirit into the light of God’s grace and love.

Merciful and loving God, Your name is glorified even in the anguish of your Son’s death. Grant us the courage to receive your anointed servant who embodies a wisdom and love that is foolishness to the world. Empower us in witness so that all the world may recognize in the scandal of the cross the mystery of reconciliation. Amen.