Daily Bread

Jesus’ final days before his crucifixion were at hand. Instead of preparing the Passover, the Jewish leaders were scheming against Jesus. But there was another person planning something. Simon the Leper had invited Jesus to a meal at his house in Bethany. While Jesus was reclining, a woman came and poured very expensive perfume on his head: breaking the jar, saving none of it. She said nothing; her act told everything of her love and devotion to Jesus. Jesus was everything to her.

Some of those present smelled the perfume and saw it as a waste. They didn’t see Jesus as the woman did. They also didn’t see the woman as Jesus saw her. Her act meant so much to Jesus. He defended her, calling her act a beautiful thing. Jesus exposed their logical failing: they could help the poor anytime but did not. Only this woman expressed love for Jesus. Her act foreshadows Jesus’ own impending death, where he poured out his blood, lavishly loving sinners like you and me.

This nameless woman’s story is a positive example while Judas’ story is one of distrust and betrayal. Both are included in the gospel narrative, like roads before us. Whose path will we follow? Let’s do a beautiful thing for Jesus today.



Prayer: Father, thank you for your lavish love for me through Jesus. Help me value Jesus and creatively express my love for him today.

One Word: Remember the beauty of Jesus.