As we've seen, there are various ways to interpret Mary's act of pouring the expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Judas thought it was a waste. The perfume could have been sold, and the money given to the poor. But Jesus does not say that or rebuke Mary. Jesus identified with the poor and was himself dependent upon others for his means of support. He was an advocate for justice for the poor and the outcast. Mary's anointing the feet of Jesus was symbolic of giving generously to those in need. When we give from our resources to assist those in need, we follow the example of Mary in giving to Jesus. The Rev. Dr. Patricia Cuyatti writes, "Tending to the poor, who generally go hungry and are deprived of education, health care, jobs and more is a way of spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus." In addition to reading the World Hunger devotions and offering Wednesday study opportunities, our congregation set a goal of raising $2500 for the ELCA World Hunger program. I just learned that we have already far surpassed that goal, having raised $3712.24, with the appeal continuing through Easter Sunday. Why do people give so generously to this program? As Dr. Cuyatti writes, "It is in faith that many men and women are moved to share with generosity, surely in the hopes that those actions can help restore the dignity of people that suffer from hunger." Thank you for spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus in our day and age!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
36th day of Lent- John 12:8
" You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:8
As we've seen, there are various ways to interpret Mary's act of pouring the expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Judas thought it was a waste. The perfume could have been sold, and the money given to the poor. But Jesus does not say that or rebuke Mary. Jesus identified with the poor and was himself dependent upon others for his means of support. He was an advocate for justice for the poor and the outcast. Mary's anointing the feet of Jesus was symbolic of giving generously to those in need. When we give from our resources to assist those in need, we follow the example of Mary in giving to Jesus. The Rev. Dr. Patricia Cuyatti writes, "Tending to the poor, who generally go hungry and are deprived of education, health care, jobs and more is a way of spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus." In addition to reading the World Hunger devotions and offering Wednesday study opportunities, our congregation set a goal of raising $2500 for the ELCA World Hunger program. I just learned that we have already far surpassed that goal, having raised $3712.24, with the appeal continuing through Easter Sunday. Why do people give so generously to this program? As Dr. Cuyatti writes, "It is in faith that many men and women are moved to share with generosity, surely in the hopes that those actions can help restore the dignity of people that suffer from hunger." Thank you for spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus in our day and age!
As we've seen, there are various ways to interpret Mary's act of pouring the expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Judas thought it was a waste. The perfume could have been sold, and the money given to the poor. But Jesus does not say that or rebuke Mary. Jesus identified with the poor and was himself dependent upon others for his means of support. He was an advocate for justice for the poor and the outcast. Mary's anointing the feet of Jesus was symbolic of giving generously to those in need. When we give from our resources to assist those in need, we follow the example of Mary in giving to Jesus. The Rev. Dr. Patricia Cuyatti writes, "Tending to the poor, who generally go hungry and are deprived of education, health care, jobs and more is a way of spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus." In addition to reading the World Hunger devotions and offering Wednesday study opportunities, our congregation set a goal of raising $2500 for the ELCA World Hunger program. I just learned that we have already far surpassed that goal, having raised $3712.24, with the appeal continuing through Easter Sunday. Why do people give so generously to this program? As Dr. Cuyatti writes, "It is in faith that many men and women are moved to share with generosity, surely in the hopes that those actions can help restore the dignity of people that suffer from hunger." Thank you for spreading the oil on the feet of Jesus in our day and age!
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The challenge is for us to make generous giving a lifestyle, not just a holiday habit.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge is for us to make generous giving a lifestyle, not just a holiday habit.
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