Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil and poured it on his head wile he was reclining at table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, “Why this waste? It could have been sold for much and the money given to the poor.” Mt. 26:6-9
This unnamed woman’s kind act toward Jesus sharply contrasts with the plot of the religious leaders to kill him.
In Matthew, her act is also in sharp contrast to the reactions of Jesus’ disciples who are annoyed at her largesse. Some have suggested that Matthew notes this because the community for whom he wrote had many people of means. He was directing a message to those who were overly concerned about money.
The traditional Lenten practice of almsgiving nudges us to lavish our largesse upon the poor. What would happen if I took a large bite out of a week’s paycheck and gave it to the poor? I can’t do that every week, but then again this is Lent.
It wouldn’t erase world poverty. But it would have a large effect upon me, and remind me that all creation including my possessions – belongs to God.
Spend some quiet time with the Lord.
