Lent 5C 2022
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lakeland, FL
April 3, 2022
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
My dear ones in Christ. There are portions of the Gospel narratives that defy analysis, refuse easy explanations, and don’t lend themselves to exhortations to Gospel living nor easy proclamation of Good News. As we are in the last weeks of Lent and are approaching Holy Week and the drama and unspeakable horrors we will confront there, we have this moment, this evening, that Jesus and the Twelve spent with their good friends, Lazarus and Martha and Mary.
(As Lazarus) “You know, my friends, there are those times in our lives when we sit back and take stock. Now, you may think that isn’t the case for those of us who lived in poverty during the Roman occupation of our homeland. You may think that all we could spend our time and energy on was eking out a living in a time of great need and oppression. And you may be right.
But, that evening was one of those times for me. Call it a mid-life crisis if you. This friend of mine, Jesus was his name, he came into our life a couple of years ago. He and his followers. They wandered the countryside and would come by my home – where I lived with my sisters, Mary and Martha. He always seemed to relax when he was with us, to let his hair down, if you will. We never knew when they would come nor did we know how long they would stay. But it was always so interesting and engaging to spend time with them. When he was with us, things just seemed somehow different.
We had heard the stories over the past few years – talk travels fast you know, what with that Instagram and Facebook and all. We had heard about an abundance of really good wine at a wedding a couple of years back. And then there was that time when he went into the Temple – the TEMPLE! And caused quite an uproar. And the leaders there didn’t really know what to do with this upstart.
And then there were the healings and the feedings and the teachings. We didn’t hear much of this directly but word got back to us. And we pondered these things as Jesus and his disciples would come for a spell. Sometimes amazing things come out when you’ve had a couple of sweet ice teas.
Some folks said that he was the Messiah – and he kinda hinted at that from time to time. Things that he said that we’ve not heard anyone else say before – I am the Bread of Life. I am the living water – whoever drinks of me will never thirst again. What did that mean?
I am the Good Shepherd – my sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.
So much to think about.
But then there was that day. I got really sick – sicker than I had ever been. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus to come. We loved him so. And then I died. Before he got there. They buried me in accordance with our custom – in a tomb, a cave of sorts, and rolled a stone in front of it. I had no idea how long I was there – time is so different on the other side of life. But then came that time when I heard that voice of Jesus – so familiar it was to me. Calling to me – Lazarus – come out! There is nothing that can describe that experience. And the stone was rolled away and I went out. From the tomb, I lived. And that was just a few days ago.
All of that was going through my mind. Mary and Martha have told me that I seemed somehow different since then. Well YEAH, who wouldn’t be. And – And we learned that some of our leaders wanted to kill Jesus because of the amazing things that he was doing. And then I learned that they wanted to kill me too.
So when Jesus and his disciples came today, I was still a little lost in what had happened. Not exactly a fog but more like – that mid-life crisis – what does my life mean in the scheme of things. Who is this man we’ve shared meals with? Who is this one who has listened to our tired jokes? Who is this one who loves us? Who IS this one who called me out of the TOMB for pity’s sake. Perplexed. SMH. Shaking my head.
Of course, he was one of those drop-in friends, welcome at any time. And here he was knocking at our door. As I welcomed him in, I saw something different on his face – where before there had been quiet grins and maybe a chuckle or two, now I saw a furrowed brow. He sat down and didn’t have many words.
Martha was busy in the kitchen as she so often was. Oh she could cook up a meal And we were grateful. Mary didn’t help as much as Martha wanted her to. She too was a bit wrapped up in how things were different now than they had been – well, than they had been before I was in the tomb. Yes, that was the elephant in the room – we could deal with wine and feeding and healing and teaching – but THIS?? I’m out of the tomb???
So we sat down to eat – we had one of those tables close to the floor and we kinda stretched out to enjoy the meal. Martha served so many so graciously. I looked around at all the faces. There was a quiet somber tone. And then I noticed – Mary was gone. I took another bite of lasagna and let my mind wander.
Oh there she was. Mary came back. Holding something in her hand. What's she up to now? She kneels down in front of Jesus, and opens a jar. The whole house is filled with the fragrance of nard, a scent so sweet, so powerful, that just a drop or two is all anyone really needs to perfume themselves. She must have a pound of it in that jar. And she's pouring it... on Jesus' feet??? Look at how she anoints him, rubbing his feet, and now taking down her hair, she wipes it off. It is an act of total love and devotion. It is an act of total extravagance. It is an act that seems totally unnecessary, like wearing diamonds on the soles of her shoes.*
More stunned silence. We didn’t know what to say. All we could do is watch this unfolding before us. Tastes of ricotta and garlic in our mouths. Sweet fragrance filling our senses. Minds and hearts spinning. What are we to make of this???
And Mary, my dear sweet sister Mary, knew what could not be known. We were at the threshold of some- thing. Some thing we could not understand.
Dinner ended. Martha cleared the table. Mary re-pinned her hair. Jesus closed his eyes. The Twelve grew silent. I simply sat. And the fragrance filled the air – the fragrance of anointing – anointing as of a king, anointing as of a body. Sweet fragrance.”
My dear ones, as beautiful and engaging as this action by Mary was – and action of love and devotion – it is surpassed by the love and devotion of Jesus just a short time later.
Thanks be to God.
