What Would You Give?

  In this holy week as we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,let us spend a little time with Mark's account of these events (Mark 14:1-9).  Jesus is having dinner at the home of a friend known as Simon the Leper.  Perhaps Simon was one of those healed of leprosy by Jesus and so Simon, with his life restored to him, was now able to host a dinner party.
  While Jesus is there, a woman, not named in Mark's Gospel but whom John identifies in his account as Mary, the sister of Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead, brings an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and pours it over Jesus.  Everyone at the dinner party recognizes it as an extravagance.  Based on the people we can surmise were present, quite a party is in progress.  There are a man healed of leprosy and his family plus a man raised from the dead with his family.  Who wouldn't be celebrating?  Who wouldn't do what they could to acclaim Jesus?  You don't just throw a lavish dinner party with your best wine, but your guests bring presents.  Mary brings her most treasured possession - a beautiful jar holding glorious perfume.  Indeed it was worth a year's wages.
  For Reflection:  Some complained that the gift was too lavish.  But what is it worth to get your life back?  What would you give?
  

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