Today is January 24th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12.


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to 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 money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended 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.”


The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you? Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music: Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier - (YouTube)