Today’s Gospel Reading from John 12 tells of Mary’s gift of comfort to Jesus. As she anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant and costly oil, Judas exclaimed his objection to this wasteful, extravagant act. Jesus, however, recognized that Mary’s gift was an expression of her love for him, and in anticipation of his burial.
Pastor Beth shared some gentle moments from her father’s last days, moments that paralleled Mary’s comforting of Jesus as she anticipated his death. As her father became agitated and scared, Pastor Beth was able to comfort him, hold him, and feel him relax. As she held him, she was able to convey her love, appreciation and thanks.
We are held and comforted in God’s extravagant love. And we are called, as Mary was, to use this extravagant love to hold and comfort others who are vulnerable.
Click the link below to listen to the Gospel and Pastor Beth’s moving sermon.