Today is Tuesday, the third day of Holy Week. Each day this week, we are spending time listening to stories and wondering together about Jesus’ very last days before his death. We will watch what he did, and listen to what he said as we walk with him toward the cross.

Good Friday is coming, but Easter morning is waiting for us on the other side. Join me, as we watch, and wait, and hope in God during Holy Week.

Scripture passage: Mark 14:3-9

I wonder what the scented oil smelled like, as it poured out of its jar and down into Jesus’ hair. Can I imagine being in that room, and taking in the scent, the sight of the joy in the woman’s face, the love in Jesus’ eyes?

I wonder how the woman felt when the people around her became angry. I wonder how it felt when Jesus spoke up to praise what she had done?

I wonder why this story doesn’t tell us the woman’s name, even though Jesus promised that we would always remember what she had done?

I wonder if I have ever felt so moved by God’s love that I have wanted to respond with a gift of my own? Can I sit, right now, and welcome that overwhelming love into my heart?

I wonder if Jesus was able to still smell the oil, as he hung on the cross. I wonder how it felt to him, in that moment, to remember the great gift of love the woman had given him?

Jesus, filled with God’s love, you poured out your life for us just as this woman poured out her oil. Help us receive your gift, and respond with the joy that works, prays, and gives itself for others, too.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.