Monday, April 14
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 36:5-11
Hebrews 9:11-15
John 12:1-11
Six days before Jesus would be handed over to
Pilate’s guards he was having dinner with his dearest friends, Mary, Martha,
and Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. After dinner, Mary (at least
according to this Gospel) poured a jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet
which she then wiped off with her hair. In all of the Gospel versions, Jesus
tells the surprised onlookers that this act is preparing him for burial. The
disciples were also at this dinner, including Judas Iscariot whose objection
was consistent in all four Gospels – the money was wasted on this extravagance
and would have been better spent on the poor. Of course, Judas did not care a
whit about the poor, but rather he saw money being “wasted” on Jesus that he
might have had a chance to line his own pockets with.
We are in the beginning of Holy Week, starting
towards that long and excruciating walk to Golgotha. The shame of Good Friday,
however will give way to the indescribable glory of Easter, and churches around
the world will be full of Easter hats and dresses and new suits and outfits for
the children. Some of those families will not feel the financial effects of
those expenditures, but some will. For many Christians sacrificing other
priorities to be properly dressed for Easter services is just what needs to
happen! Could many of the poor be fed on what is spent on Easter finery, not to
mention Easter baskets, chocolate eggs, etc., etc.? Without question they
could. Was this what Jesus had it mind when He said, “You will always have the
poor among you, but you will not always have me”? Clearly, that sentiment was
not only intended for that moment, but rather for all of us throughout time.
The opportunity to come together to celebrate the Glory of God, His Risen Son,
and the Holy Spirit, is one that feeds our spirits and strengthens our hearts,
souls and minds!
Vicki Cravens