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Reader's Guide to Contemplating

John 12: 1-8

Contemplation of Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus honor. Martha served while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the moneybag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

"Leave her alone." Jesus replied. "It was meant that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

Take three deep, long breaths.

We’re leaving our time now. We’re leaving our time now.

You’ve been invited to a dinner party for Jesus. The party will be at Lazarus’ home, that one Jesus raised from the dead.

You are getting ready for the party.

What are you going to wear? How will you do your hair? Your makeup?

Are you going alone or have you invited a friend to accompany you?

You have decided to walk since it is a beautiful spring day and it is not far.

What do you notice as you walk along? Is the sun shining?

What scents do you smell?

What are you thinking? Feeling?

When you arrive at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, others have gathered?

What is the mood of the gathering?

You ask Martha if there is anything you can do to help? What does she ask you to do?

Suddenly you smell something beautiful and almost overpowering?

Mary has anointed Jesus with a fabulous perfume, very costly.

What does Mary’s face look like? How does Jesus respond to her?

What are you feeling?

A rough man’s voice loudly challenges Mary’s act of love and generosity. What was she thinking? How could she be so stupid? What happens in Mary? What do you feel?

Jesus counters the man’s charges and praises Mary’s act. How does Mary respond? How do you respond?

Jesus gets up and comes over to you as you are deeply moved. He asks you if you have ever had your gifts of yourself ignored or refused? How do you answer him? Spend time telling him all about it and noticing how he responds to you.