The scent of perfume

Laura Digan March 30, 2021 0 1

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Psalm 71: 1-14 (NRSVA)

1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
    incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress,[a] to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope,
    my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
    it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.

7 I have been like a portent to many,
    but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
    and with your glory all day long.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
    do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
10 For my enemies speak concerning me,
    and those who watch for my life consult together.
11 They say, ‘Pursue and seize that person
    whom God has forsaken,
    for there is no one to deliver.’

12 O God, do not be far from me;
    O my God, make haste to help me!
13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
    let those who seek to hurt me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But I will hope continually,
    and will praise you yet more and more.

This week Laura has reflected on the themes that are in our daily scripture readings and linked them to key events during Holy Week in a series of seven monologues that invite us to see how this week resonates throughout scripture and into our lives today.

He was always surrounded by people, always. People were always wanting something from him, clamouring for his attention. I was one of them. 

He had healed me. Following him had transformed my life. He had given me back my life and oh how I loved him. I loved him with my whole heart. It was a few days before the Passover and I sensed that something was coming. I could feel it in my bones, a foreboding, a tension, a darkness that was moving towards us. And he could feel it too. I saw it in his face when he thought no one was looking. I heard it in his voice when he prayed to the Lord. 

I didn’t know exactly what he had to do but I sensed from his teaching that it was going to be a huge task. And it would soon be upon him. 

I don’t know what made me do it, I was overcome by this need to comfort him, to show my love to him. I had a big alabaster jar full of expensive perfume and I went and got it. And even though he was sitting teaching I poured the perfume over him. The scent filled the house. It was everywhere. The disciples were so angry, but Jesus wasn’t. He said I had done him a service, I had prepared him for burial. 

I just pray it gives him comfort and strength for whatever lies in the days ahead. 

PRAYER:

Lord God, just like the woman with her perfume, 
help us to be unashamed and to show extravagant love to others. 
Help us Lord to see when others need comfort and encouragement.
Help us to listen for your prompts 
And to trust in the power of your love
Amen.