John 21:1-9 "Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus..."

"Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead" (John 12:1-9).

Question:

This has always been a special passage to me. I am journaling different passages in the Bible as I study metaphysical interpretation, and I'm getting stuck in the traditional.

Comment:

From our logical, human perspective, Judas' complaint makes perfect sense. It's an attitude we often hear—and perhaps share—in the world today. Why should an expensive ointment be “wasted” in such an extravagant gesture when it could be sold and the money used to feed the needy? Jesus' patient and loving response takes us to the metaphysical heart of the story, which is tied into the creative power of our focus and intention. Giving to need creates more need, because it is a fear-based affirmation of lack. Mary is giving to lovingly appreciate and affirm spiritual Source. She is demonstrating the essence of tithing—giving freely and lovingly to our sources of spiritual good. Such heart-based giving will never create lack. Indeed, it brings divine abundance into expression in ways that will bless and empower the poor far more than Judas' more “practical” efforts ever could.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed