A reflection for Wednesday in Holy Week. It is written from the point of view of one who is present with Jesus in Simon’s house in Bethany.

Written 26 March 2024.

Suggested Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

The noise has gone,
after the ride into Jerusalem,
after Jesus’ anger as he cleared the temple,
even after all the teaching of yesterday.
We’ve been gifted time to be still,
to re-energise and prepare,
for what is still to come –
for Passover is almost here.

We’re all here in Bethany with Jesus –
and he’s leading the relaxation,
as he so often has –
when he’s led us away to quiet places.
It seems our rest day is starting quite normally.

Normal this day is, but for one event within it –
one of the women approached Jesus,
quietly, calmly, but with purpose.
In her hand, a bottle of expensive perfume –
the stuff we might keep for special occasions.

But she doesn’t just put a drop on Jesus’ head –
no, she showers him with the whole bottle,
soaking his hair, drips running down over his face
and onto his shoulders.
The aroma fills the whole room,
anointing each of us alongside Jesus,
preparing us all for what is to come.

Only Judas raises exceptions about the waste –
but he’s soon rebuffed by Jesus.
This woman has given him, given us all,
such a beautiful gift.

We see Judas slip out,
his focus set on the errand before him,
as he leaves to set what is to come into action.
We let him go.
Thanks to the rest we’ve had,
thanks to the gift of anointing,
we know and trust that as Jesus is now ready,
so are we.