Thought for the Day, Wednesday, 17 August 2022

John 12 v 3

Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

 

If you read on in the chapter you learn

that Judas (who betrayed Jesus and was a thief) objected to this and asked why was this expensive perfume not sold and the money given to the poor.  We know that Judas  was the purse keeper and the money would go into the money bag which he often helped himself to.   Jesus answered  “leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial - you will always have the poor among you but you will not always have me”

 

Loyalty - how important is it these days?  Once upon a time someone might start working for a company straight from school and stay with that company till they retired.  How often does this happen today?   Loyalty doesn’t always seem to be as important as it once was, but surely it still matters in relation to our lives at work, at home and in matters of our faith. 

 

So often we have all sorts of demands placed upon us and our loyalties can be divided.  Sometimes in trivial ways but sometimes in ways that might have implications for the rest of our lives.

 

Mary and her sister Martha served Jesus and were loyal to him.  We too should consider what the sisters did and follow their example which I am sure we all do but maybe we have to be reminded from time to time.

 

This reading reminds me of the Guild motto  -  WHOSE WE ARE AND 

WHOM WE SERVE.

 

We should learn from Mary and Martha and keep

 

  -  Welcoming Jesus into our homes and lives

  -  Turn to Him in our need

  -  And give Him the very best of all that we have

 

If we do this we know we can’t go wrong.

 

Prayer :  Dear Lord may we ask that you keep coming into our homes and lives especially in the days when there seems to be only news of illness and death.  Lift us up and help each of us cope through your strength and help. May we help others and hopefully by doing this we can give you our best.  Let us continually serve you and turn to you when we need you.   You are loyal and true and you are always there and for this we thank you.  As the famous hymn says “What a friend we have in Jesus” and how true that is.

In your name we ask this.  Amen

 Christine Duns