What would you give to someone who saved your life? Jesus spent the evenings in the last week before his crucifixion in Bethany. This was Lazarus, Martha and Mary’s home town. This is also where Simon a former leper lived. Former lepers were uncommon until Jesus came. Imagine Simon’s gratitude. He threw a party and Jesus was the honored guest.
Another grateful guest brought her best. How long had this anonymous woman treasured her alabaster jar of expensive perfume. She opened it for the first time and poured it over Jesus’ head. No good deed goes unpunished. The greedy got on to her for not selling it and giving the equivalent of a year’s wages to help the poor. But Jesus defended her. “She has done what she could . . .” What have we done for Christ? Will it be said that we did what we could?
Some actions stand the test of time. Jesus predicted that people would remember her kindness to him everywhere the Good News is preached. And here we are remembering her two thousand years later. What would you give somebody who saved your life? Give that.
