[LS]

I understand your reasoning, but this was the same line Judas used on Jesus when Mary broke the vase and anointed his feet---Judas said, "Why not sell that and use the money for the poor?" Jesus said that her WORSHIP was more important than the money or what it bought.

[Stone Mountain]

Yes, I guess I'm taking the Judas position here, but I still believe it. There is also a difference in scope here - if that vase had been valuable enough to feed thousands and thousands of starving people, I'm guessing (and I certainly could be wrong) that Jesus would have taken the big view and fed them. Would Mary have worshipped Jesus any less without that vase?

[mississippi red-neck]

Good point.

[Northern Yankee]

My thoughts exactly!