Meditations from Zion

John 12:3a
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.

Clearly, Mary was moved to this extreme act of devotion. I cannot believe that wiping someone’s feet with hair was a common occurrence even back in those days. But the effect was astounding for the perfume filled the house: all who were there knew what she had done.

Nard was primarily used to anoint the dead in burial. If a family had nard, it was precious and saved for their own burial. Jesus announces that this nard was actually saved for his burial, and in this way, he foretold again of his coming death.

But the point of interest here for me today is Mary’s act of devotion. How does one come to an act like this one? I don’t think we are supposed to conjure these things. [“Oh, what I can do show Jesus I really care!”] No, an act of this magnitude must be inspired by God. The key is the person’s willingness and openness to following through.

In our culture, we can all pretty much talk ourselves out of anything with or without facts. We know about cause and effect and yet some people are still smoking. Some people still take drugs and drink in excess although we know its effects can be catastrophic. And yet, if God were to inspire us to an act of devotion like this one, we would talk it away as being foolish and unnecessary.

Keep me open to your inspiration that I might act with love, authentically.