Reading
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them[a] with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and the money given to the poor?” 6 (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.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it[c] so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (John 12:1-8) Reflection Washing of other’s feet is an act of service. The addition of using costly perfume is an act of adoration. When I read this scripture, I can just feel the love that Mary had for Jesus. I also feel the scorn that Judas had for the whole situation. My thought about his comment is what concern is it to you how she uses her goods. He needs to worry about himself and his own actions. Jesus of course handles the confrontation very well. I believe we have something to learn from all three people. Love with your whole heart and with the gifts you have. Give to the poor what you can. Mind your own business on things that are not your concern. Pay attention to those who are around you while there are around you. --Charlene Rineer Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for all you have given us. Help us use our gifts and belongings for the good of others. Let us spread the love of God to all we meet. Amen Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Lent, we focus on baptismal identity and the consequent amendment of life.
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