Advent Twelve

 Lamentation by Petrus Christus from Royal Museum of Art in Brussels

 The story is sent in the highly volatile context of modern Israel.  There is great fear about possible terrorist leaders and imminent attacks on civilian life.  Jesus has recently raised to life his friend Lazarus.  Jesus and Lazarus family are celebrating and having fun together.

Smells

From the vantage point of a recliner in Martha's arbour, life's pretty good.  We have just had a fantastic meal cooked by our celebrated hostess.  Her brother and 'his lordship', haven't stopped hysterically laughing all evening.  Now everyone knows we are here, and I'm getting that strange feeling of insecurity that often pervades our company like a bad odour.

In the distance you can hear the whine, high up, of hovering drones.  Tonight they are far off, over towards Jerusalem.  We are used to them.  Each has a loaded missile designed for a pin point assassination.  It's well known that Jay is high on the certified terrorist hit list.  I guess Lazarus has joined him there.  His association with Jay is not good for his insurance premiums.  One minute he's floating over the River Styx in Hades, the next he's had a recall.  I can joke now, but it was unspeakably sad.  His grave has become a bit of a local tourist attraction. Even the clothes he was wearing at the time are on show, and boy they stink.

Jays attitude?  He says it not his time yet.  No need to worry.  Enjoy the moment.  I hope he enjoyed the moment when Mary took a bottle of Creed Silver Mountain Water Eau de Parfum (I know the perfume well having bought some for my wife.  I felt the sting of that payment for at least three hours.)  Well, pain and love mix.  Jay was so sweet to Mary.  'She', distressed, and 'he', praising her, saying that she was preparing him for his death.  She knew she wouldn't be able to get near him when it came to the real thing.  Oh Jay, don't talk about death, we're celebrating life.  But I guess he's right, you can't do much with a bottle of perfume if you’ve been blown to smithereens.

 

A friend of Jesus embarrasses herself in front of powerful 

men, and Jesus says she has done a good thing

Timing is everything.  If you have watched a film, you will know the events that unfold.  The Creator has the full picture.  All apparent ‘chances’, ‘happenings’ and ‘decisions’ are witnessed. 

Prophesies are like ‘trailers’, revealing the future direction.  This is not predicting the future, or fortune-telling.  It acts to confirm events; to give assurance so that when it happens we feel more secure, and our faith grows. 

Lazarus was enjoying a joke with Jesus.  Mary Magdalene storms in.  She is exposing herself in front of people she will have to live with.  She is overcome with sorrow.  She knows something others do not, despite Jesus explicit explanations.  Fragrance is symbolic of worship, but also of death.  Mary knows what is happening.  She has done something we can all do.

The next day Jesus is worshiped by common people as he comes into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  His friends think that Jesus is at his zenith of power and influence.  Shortly he will be murdered. 

PRAYER – May I live so closely to you that I am aware of the joy and suffering before us, and always worship and honour you.