Week 23 - The reality of the Messiah

Theme introduction

Not to betray our humanity but to live a truly human life is not easy. As Jesus shows, living a life of pure love involves suffering and ultimately death. By not shying away from this but by taking on our vulnerable human flesh, He makes it possible for us to love Him in return and to become human ourselves.

What I may wish to ask

That I may encounter Christ in His humanity and care for Him.

Preparation

I become quiet and let go my thoughts and preoccupations. I let God take care of me.

The Anointing at Bethany (Marc 14: 3-9)
3 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good news[c] is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Setting the scene
I imagine myself as a spectator and part of the scene. I make use of all my senses. What does the place look like? What can I see? What does it smell like? What do I hear? What is the atmosphere like?

Questions for contemplation

I see the woman pouring out the ointment on Jesus his head. What reactions do I notice in myself? How do I respond? Do I sympathise with the reactions of the other spectators?

‘But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 

Jesus defends the woman when everybody turns against her. How is that for me? Have I ever experienced moments when I longed for Jesus to take my side?

‘you can show kindness to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me.’

Now, during Lent, Jesus is approaching his dead and suffering. Is there something I feel Jesus is inviting me to do?

Finishing the prayer
I finish my prayer with a conversation with Jesus. I talk to Him as I would to a friend.