Saturday, April 8, 2000
Verna Smylie
Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house. John 12:3
When I think of the life of Jesus, I think of it as one of service; caring for, helping, and teaching others. A life spent ministering to the needs of others. It was unusual, in the following story, to learn of someone ministering to him for once.
It was early evening, and Jesus was at the home of his friend Lazarus, who lived in the small town of Bethany. Lazarus, who had died; Lazarus, who now lived. People were talking far and wide about this latest miracle. But performing this miracle had taken its toll on Jesus. Although he was enjoying the company of his friends, and looking forward to having dinner with them, he felt tired and drained after the events of the past few days. Sensing his weariness, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, began to massage his feet with some fragrant, soothing ointment. Jesus began to unwind, and feel a bit more relaxed. Not having a towel handy, Mary, with a mischievous smile, began to wipe off the excess ointment with her long, dark hair.
Enter Judas Iscariot. Judas the self-righteous. Judas the whiner. Judas the killjoy. And later, Judas the ultimate betrayer. Judas immediately pointed out the folly of their ways. He said that the expensive ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Perhaps he included himself in that general category of "the poor," or perhaps he really did believe his way of thinking was ethically correct. We'll never know. Jesus gave a quiet answer to Judas. No confrontation, no explanation, no apology. He simply said, "Leave Mary alone. The poor will always be with us." Jesus gently reminded Judas, and us, that life and all its conditions is temporary.
I think Jesus is telling us that it is important to extend our kindness and assistance to our family and friends, as well as to the larger community. It is also important and right for us to be on the receiving end once in a while, and accept love and help when it is offered to us when we are in need.
There is a profound difference between the abstract concept of "helping the poor" and the real experience of the "hands-on helping" of a friend or family member.
In Toronto in the year 2000 the solution is not a simple one. In truth, we must balance our Good Samaritan efforts with reasonable concerns for safety. This concern is salient for children, who are particularly vulnerable. The balance, therefore, comes in teaching our children not only the skills to recognize when it is not safe to confront aggressors. In the latter instances, support for the victim can be achieved best by quickly seeking the help of adults in authority: parents, teachers, police and others. In this way, we can love our neighbours as ourselves.
Verna Smylie Wedding Co-ordinator at TEMC. Mother of two wonderful adult children daughter Cindy, son Rod. Longtime member of TEMC and the Sanctuary Choir.
