7.30pm Compline at All Saints Oakham.
Matthew 26.1-16
Reading Sam Wells from St Martin’s in the Fields, he considers Holy Week to be a mix of the epic and the lyric. The epic describes those overarching and universal narratives – and Holy Week contains the most important event in the history of creation – that has ever been or ever will be – the death and resurrection of God. The lyric captures those intimate and personal moments which are still powerful and memorable.
The event which Matthew describes in our reading of the anointing of Jesus at the house of Simon the Leper is very much in the lyric category – although Judas’s reaction to events moves us towards the epic. Matthew and Mark locate this event in Holy Week, 2 days before Passover. John describes the almost identical event 6 days before Passover in Bethany at the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mary is named as the woman who anoints Jesus, but Mark and Matthew give no name. However, critics see this as the same event. (Luke’s telling of the story happens early in Jesus ministry in chapter 7, and opinion is that this is a different event.)
Let me just provide 2 or 3 thoughts for us to ponder about this story:-
1. What does this say about how we might elevate our worship and adoration? How can we enhance the ordinary?
Oil would commonly be poured over the head of a guest, as a sign of welcome and hospitality. However, Mary takes this to a whole different level. The alabaster jar which contains the ointment is itself a costly item. The ointment, is very expensive indeed. Mark and John identify it as nard – perfumed, fragrant, not used for ordinary diners and very special; and used to anoint a body before burial. Mary pours it over Jesus’s head. Kings were anointed; and Messiah means “the anointed one”. Is Mary’s act an acknowledgement of these descriptions of Jesus? Jesus explains that Mary has done a beautiful thing. Also she did it to prepare Jesus for burial (of which Mary may well have had a premonition). It could not be done again, and hence the reference to the poor you always have with me. That need was ever present. Jesus underlines the value of the act by declaring that it will stand as a monument to Mary – wherever the gospel is preached – and that will be globally. Is elevating worship then, bringing the best of who we are and what we have?
2. Then, How do we balance contemplation and activity?
The disciples failed to grasp the significance of this beautiful service. For them it was a waste of a valuable resource which could have been put to better use. For example the pious work of supporting the poor.
To be fair they had been used to a simple lifestyle as Jesus’s constant companions. It’s a typical Mary/Martha conundrum.Not either/or, but both. But we shouldn’t let the mundane, however worthy, obscure the beautiful.
3. Does this reflect the character of God?
Part of the essence of God, the divine DNA, is abundance. God has given enough and to spare. There is a bewildering variety and diversity in the world God created. In the same manner, Mary is lavish in her anointing. And as the week progresses we will see the immensity and abundance of the love with which God anoints us.
Let me finish with part of the sonnet on this event, written by Malcolm Guite.
For beauty now begins the final movement
In quietness and intimate encounter
The alabaster jar of precious ointment
Is broken open for the world’s true lover.