Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Matthew 26:6-13

Beauty draws out my heart.

The extravagance levels me

And calls me to more.

Beauty mirrors grace

And reveals my insolence.

My complaints are really fear,

Fear that my heart might spin uncontrollably

Toward the gravity of His love.

Calculations end where love begins.

Reflection: How do the “practical” issues of life keep you from fully embracing and trusting Jesus? How might the fear of losing control be the deeper issue? Prayerfully and imaginatively put yourself into the scene described in Matthew 26. Be an observer to the perfume poured out … what are you feeling? What do you notice? How does this “beautiful thing” draw your true heart out?

Prayer: Father, I realize that I am powerfully drawn to live a life of extravagant abandon. I desire deeply to live in the freedom of a life in which you are my one motive, my true center, my all in all. Yet, I have fears that often emerge as finely crafted statements of sensibility. I talk myself out of trusting You on a regular basis. Thank you for your patience as You wait for me. Today, may I wait for you … trusting You above the clamor of what is expedient and efficient. Give me ears to hear Your call above all else. Amen.