The die is cast

Jesus therefore, six days before the pasch, came to Bethania, where Lazarus had been dead, whom Jesus raised to life. And they made him a supper there: and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that were at table with him. Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:1-3

Setting: Jesus has turned His face toward Jerusalem.  Alea iacta est. Just as Caesar declared as he crossed the Rubicon.  No turning back.  Lazurus is here for all to see, breathing and tangible.  There is no doubt Who is in our midst.  He Who is the Resurrection and the Life.  He that believeth in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live.  

We all know that washing someone’s feet is for the humble servant. And I gotta say I appreciated Pope Francis choosing to wash the feet of drug addicts and prostitutes, to serve the least of these.  While Martha kept herself busy, doing, trundling hither and thither, back and forth, Mary once again chose the better part.  Kneeling before Her Lord.

Wiping His feet with her hair takes it a step further.  A woman’s hair was her glory.  And here Mary offers up her glory in humble service of The Christ.  

May I too lay it all at His feet. And may this gift fill the house with a sweet perfume of grace and joy.