When talking about the anointing of Jesus everyone talks about nard, the Indian origin of it. Some talk about Judas Iscariot and his money mindedness. Some talk about Jesus's burial. Some about the offices of Christ. What no one mentions is that Mary used her hair to wipe it off Jesus's feet. No wonder Dan Brown thought of making her his wife, which even though a blasphemy, may well reflect the intimacy that this action reflects. This is the medieval times and all women were supposed to keep their heads covered. So definitely Mary had to take off her head cloth or take her hair out of it, both of which would be scandalous actions. However she went a step further. She wiped Jesus' feet with her hair.
Just let go of the fact that she probably poured out the earning of her entire lifetime on the feet of her master. Her master allowed her to let go of all the propriety prevalent at the time and show such a gesture in respect of him, love of him. Jesus is the eternal bridegroom. It is a nice line we recite at church. But what does it mean to us personally to have that kind of an intimate relationship with him.
Oftentimes we are enamoured by Jesus' relationship with Peter who denied Him thrice and thrice acknowledged his love. But Peter had to pull up his clothes before approaching Jesus when Jesus met him fishing after being resurrected. That veil remained which only Mary dared to remove. I would rather be a Mary at the feet of Jesus than the Peter on which Jesus lays the foundation of the church.
YOU ARE READING
The One Thing
SpiritualFor years, I have served as a useful source to those seeking inspiration, help, or advice. I finally decided to own that role and be intentional about it. I started writing about my passions, my thoughts, and curious wonderings about our world. I f...
