Additional Scriptures: Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:16–21; Philippians 3:4b–14
[1]
The Sweet Aroma of Jesus' Death
The pairing of Mary and Judas creates a rhetoric of contrast, which also might energize a sermon. Notice a variety of oppositions:
> Mary and Judas contrast true and false discipleship, as well as true and false love.
> The fragrance of the perfume strikes a contrast to Jesus' death and burial. Our interpretation of the scene cannot ignore the gloom. Mary does not anoint Jesus as king or Messiah; she anoints a corpse. If the beautiful scent and ugly crucifixion seem incongruent, then we are onto John's strange logic whereby Jesus is lifted up onto a cross so that he might attract all to himself (12:32).
Lavish devotion contrasts critical stinginess. This passage gives permission, so to speak, to honor Jesus in extravagant ways, perhaps even by giving a massive donation to the poor. It warns against mistaking discipline for discipleship. It embraces affection as part of a devotion to Jesus that is nothing less than the costly, precious gift of one's whole self--down to every last strand of hair.[2]
Comfort Thy people, O Lord, and deliver us from the evil captivity of sin, that what we sow here in tears, we may reap in joy through Thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, You alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant Your people grace to love what You command and desire what You promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]
Almighty
God, You alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners:
Grant Your people grace to love what You command and desire what You promise;
that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely
there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen[4]
[1] The
Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and
congregational use
[3]© 2005 Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood
[4]Collect
for the 5th Sunday in Lent, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
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