Tag Archives: John 12:1-8

Anointing

Posted on April 6, 2019 by

They say that scent is the closest sense to memory; I wouldn’t know, but Jesus, enveloped in the memory of myrrh – his mother Mary eked it out, birth by birth – his mortality laid out end to end, Jesus … Continue reading →

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Earth, oil, ashes, and a pound of precious nard

Posted on March 11, 2016 by

I have anointed people for death, and I think Mary was right to get in early, because when I return, a few days later, or a week, I do not come bearing precious nard. Continue reading →

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Jesus, Mary, and Judas

Posted on March 7, 2016 by

Poor, jealous Judas, love-lorn puppy, eyes stinging from the stench and from the memory: “See how he loved him!” they said when Jesus wept, and now this woman spilling fragrant death all over. Her sister rattles the plates on purpose. Mary, rapt … Continue reading →

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Year C Lent 5: a royal priesthood

Posted on March 17, 2013 by

The story of Jesus’ anointing is told in all four gospels, although there are differences in the details that each reports. Only John names the woman who performed the prophetic act: Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, of Bethany. … Continue reading →

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