excerpt from "An overflowing Cup"
Mary takes the best she has to give and in an hour of need, as death looms over this little band of disciples, Mary takes the best and breaks it open over the feet of Jesus, the one she loves, the one she is about to lose… if only for awhile…
I can only wonder then about our own hearts and our own giving, our hearts broken open to one another and to the world God loves…those moments when a gesture of love and generosity transforms a situation – a generous spirit that offers forgiveness and healing, a spirit of kindness that offers healing and hope and speaks words of encouragement, a spirit of freedom that gives out of the abundance we live in so that others have enough to live. This woman, even in the face of criticism, held nothing back, not the most expensive gift she could give and not the gift of her own breaking heart, full of love. This woman, so full of love, is our teacher today. She helps us to recognize who Jesus is, and who we are called to be as his faithful followers.
Two vessels, two families, two gospel stories – goal one was to drink of the cup and follow Jesus with our daily actions – goal two is to empty the perfume jar and follow Jesus by our generosity. Accept these goals and follow him into all of life.
Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord 
March 21, 2010
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