Session 2: The Perfume

I find a balance in my mind…between inward and outward sense…I let my heart rest in stillness…

I begin by setting the scene of today’s reflection in my mind…

The heavy air confused with scent, a betrayer questions honour, a thief takes the poor as defence, perfumed grease between my fingers, at my touch his bare feet grow warm, gently anointed by pure nard, only my hair can wipe them clean…

I ask for the grace to love Jesus as his feet are anointed…or whatever it is that I need at this moment…

John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

As you let your senses fill with the scent of perfume, let your attention rest on Jesus and Mary as she anoints his feet…what is Mary feeling as she makes this tender gesture…? What is Jesus feeling as he is honoured in this way…? What sentiments pass through your heart as you watch the events take place…?

As you listen again to these words, how can you let your love for Jesus become as deep as Mary’s?

Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Speak to Jesus, as one friend speaks to another, tell him about the love you have for him, and listen to his response…

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.