While Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,
a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment,
and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. …
Jesus said, “She has prepared me for burial.
Truly I tell you, wherever this good news
is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
—Matthew 26.6, 12-13
In one long, miserable story of fear and denial,
betrayal, delusion and cruelty,
here is one kind thing
that someone does for Jesus.
It is not much.
But he treasures it.
Don’t underestimate the power of simple kindness.
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You need not be the Messiah.
It is enough to bring your simple gifts
and offer them for the sake of the One who Heals Us.
Even God needs healing.
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Jesus prepares himself for death.
He is continually pouring himself out,
emptying himself and receiving God,
dying and rising.
The disciples are clinging to survival.
Only this woman understands
and does not cling,
but in her own outpouring
empties herself in love and blessing
for Jesus’ sake.
She, too, is ready.