Mar 18, 2010

Jim Wilson reflects poetically on Mary's anointing of Jesus.

STOOPING IN HUMBLE ADORATION AT HIS FEET 

The 5^th Sunday in Lent C

“Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.” John 12:3  NRSV

Jesus with face set toward Jerusalem,

everyone aware of his imminent death,

that cross on Golgotha

shouting aloud in ominous silence,

Mary anointing him before his death

that he might rest in peace

Expressing love and gratitude

having no price tab consideration,

this Mary who sat at his feet

as he opened scriptures to her understanding,

in open defiance of the customs, traditions, taboos—

concerning the proper place for women

Martha served dinner as usual,

no complaining that Mary was a slacker,

and Lazarus was stone cold silent,

Mary mixing her tears with the nard

kneeling at the feet of Jesus

ever thankful for the good news brought thereby

Judas entered a disingenuous complaint,

feigning care for the poor,

Jesus shushed him immediately,

thankful to be so revered,

even if in an overly opulent expression

her faithfulness so very evident

Six days now before Passover,

six days before he was mounted on the cross,

Mary affirmed his life,

knowing his fate full well,

grieving openly with the Christ,

massaging his feet with nard and her hair

Mary lived into her salvation with all her being, sparing no cost, emotional or financial,

recognized as equal with her Lord, stooping in humble adoration at his feet.  Jim Wilson

Note: Jim Wilson is a retired United Methodist minister with a close connection to PTS.