Approaching his death, Jesus continues his ministry by teaching with his life. When his friend Mary of Bethany anoints him with a prodigious amount of scented oil, Jesus answers those who would chastise her and him for waste.The debate goes on today. Why use gold and silver for altar vessels, when the poor are hungry? Support of the institutional church is in tension with its mission of service. Part of the reception for Pope Francis has been seen in the hope for the humility and simplicity of a servant pope, who rides the bus and not the limo.
Yet Jesus is not easily pigeon-holed. He receives Mary's intrusive gift, choosing to see it and let others see it as a gift of her love. As he poured himself out for us. Jesus comes again to us this Sunday, in a service of Holy Communion, Pr. Hans Arnesen presiding and Paul Ellis preaching. All are welcome in Jesus' house.
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