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When Lent began this year on Valentine’s Day, it felt confusing. Entering a season of sackcloth and ashes with a holiday focused on love seemed…odd. But then I received a reflection from Eastern Point Retreat House which said: "Would the words, ‘remember that you are loved and to Love you shall return,’ be a fitting alternative to the traditional “dust” formula?” So, I decided to embrace the theme of love this Lenten season.
With a focus on love, I am noticing the people who offered encouragement to Jesus along the way. Like the anointing woman. As I reread her story (all 4 versions, one in each Gospel), I was drawn to Luke’s version. In particular, I was struck by Jesus’ dirty feet and the fact that the woman noticed Jesus’ dirty feet.
Jesus is eating at the house of a Pharisee. A “sinful woman” learns that he is there and goes to see him. I imagine her arriving, holding a precious alabaster jar closely. I wonder if she was bringing a donation to Jesus’ ministry. I wonder if this offering was her whole life’s savings. She sees Jesus reclining at the table and notices his feet are dirty. A gracious and hospitable host would have taken care of this for a guest. I imagine her realizing that the Pharisee has slighted Jesus, and this breaks her heart and brings tears in her eyes. Blind to the judgement of the people around her, she washes the feet of Jesus with her tears then dries them with her hair. Using the expensive perfume from the alabaster jar, she anoints Jesus’ feet. The whole scene is unexpected, unusual, extravagant…and full of love.
I ask myself…what am I being called to do? Who am I being called to love? As a result, I have been trying to be present and patient and kind. To listen when someone needs to talk. To lend a hand when someone needs some help. And in doing so, to make that person feel for at least that moment in time that they are seen and known and loved.
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