9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” – Mark 14:9
Before Judas leaves to go and sell the information of Jesus whereabouts to the Jewish authorities for thirty pieces of silver, there is this scene in a house near Bethany where Jesus is spending some time with his disciples before preparing for the Passover meal in Jerusalem.
We have probably heard this story before. It is where Jesus is teaching his disciples, an unnamed woman (whom many believe to be Mary Magdalen) comes and breaks an alabaster jar of expensive ointment and anoints Jesus head.
There is a great deal of significance to this act, and the response of those other guests and even the disciples who are with Jesus at the time, however, let’s take a moment and focus on Jesus response, and how it relates to the whole story of salvation. Jesus acknowledges that there are those who object to this act yet applauds the woman for doing what she is able as a service done for him. He tells those who believe that this money could be used for the poor, that it is little in comparison to the number of poor they will encounter during their ministry. Jesus accepts this gift of gratitude from this woman, and then makes a wonderful statement. This unnamed woman is added to the story. For Jesus says, “whenever the good news is proclaimed what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.” Jesus tells his disciples, that this is something that they should remember. This woman is a part of the story, and she should be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, her love.
So often in the holy week chronicles, we see Jesus say ‘in remembrance of me.’ However, in this act, Jesus says in remembrance of her. His is pointing to someone other than himself, and saying she gets it, she understands. To me, this is a call to all faithful who get it, who know that there are things everyone can do to share love, generosity, and kindness, and in doing so, we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grace & Peace,
Sam