Embracing the Sacredness of Today
Scripture: Mark 14:3-9
“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.’
"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Reflection: The Sacredness of Today
In the Gospel of Mark, we see the disciples fixated on what they perceive as a waste of costly ointment, missing the profound anointing occurring before their eyes. The woman, in her wisdom and love, has grasped the sacredness of each day. She offers her presence and attentiveness to Jesus, recognizing the possibility that this day may be His last. Jesus acknowledges her act, stating, "She has anointed my body beforehand for its burial."
This passage invites us to reflect on how we move through life. What if we understood that every interaction, every encounter, is an opportunity to bless someone on what might be their last day? What if we recognized the fleeting nature of life and embraced the gift and sacredness of this very day?
Imagine living with such attentiveness and intention. We would spend our "wild and precious life" with a profound sense of purpose, falling into moments of prayerful wonder amidst blades of grass, noticing the vibrant color purple, loving deeper, speaking sweeter, and embracing forgiveness.
Song Lyrics: Tim McGraw - "Live Like You Were Dying"
And I loved deeper,
and I spoke sweeter,
and I gave forgiveness I’d been denying.
And he said,
“Someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.”
These lyrics echo the essence of our reflection. To love deeper, to speak sweeter, to give forgiveness we have been denying—all these actions embody living with the awareness that each day is precious. The woman in the Gospel story lived like this, and Jesus honored her for it.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to embrace the sacredness of today. Teach us to move through life with attentiveness and intention, recognizing each moment as an opportunity to bless and be blessed. May we love deeper, speak sweeter, and offer forgiveness freely. Let us not miss the profound anointing in our everyday interactions. Guide us to live with the awareness that this day is a precious gift. Amen.
Spiritual Practices:
1. Practice Presence: Today, focus on being fully present in each moment. Whether you are with family, friends, or strangers, give them your undivided attention and love.
2. Notice the Beauty: Take time to observe the small details around you. The color of the sky, the sound of birds, the feel of grass under your feet. Let these moments lead you into gratitude and wonder.
3. Forgive Freely: If there is someone you have been withholding forgiveness from, take a step towards releasing that burden. Offer forgiveness, knowing that it is a gift both to them and to yourself.
4. Express Love: Tell someone how much they mean to you. Don't wait for a special occasion; let today be the day you share your love and appreciation.
5. Reflect on Jesus's Example: As you go about your day, remember the woman who anointed Jesus. Consider how you can perform small acts of kindness and devotion in your daily life, honoring the sacredness of each moment.
By integrating these practices into your life, you can honor the sacredness of today and live with the depth and intention that Jesus commended in the woman with the alabaster jar.
God bless!
Mike