March 13, Fifth Sunday in Lent: John 12:1-8
Jesus’ words in this week’s Gospel reading have always struck me as a little strange. He tells Judas that Mary bought the perfume to keep for the day of his burial. But rather than save it for that day, she uses it when he’s still alive and well.
What exactly is the rush? Mary needs to wait only a few more days to fulfill her original intention. But something in her can’t wait. She anoints Jesus’ feet—not for burial, but for his short, resolute walk toward death.
What do we do when time grows short?
