“She has done what she could, she has anointed by body beforehand for burial.” Mark 14:8 ESV

I am always amazed at how this woman, who never spoke a word, is still speaking to us today. If we were to read the story from the Gospel of John, we would learn that she was Mary, the sister of Martha, and her “beautiful act.” Was a demonstration of gratitude and worship after Jesus had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. Her older sister Martha, had started things off by inviting all their friends, cooking up a big meal and seating Jesus at the head of the table with Lazarus. The disciples of Jesus were seated around Him, and the room was filled to capacity with friends, family and curious onlookers. Then, right at the height of the festivities, when the plates were clanking, the conversation was getting loud and the scents of delicious foods wafted through the room, Mary appeared in the doorway. Of course, Martha was busy serving and was probably being warmly greeted and thanked for such a party. Few would have noticed Mary, as she quietly walked through the room towards Jesus. But when Mary arrived next to Jesus, they heard the sound of the alabaster jar she was carrying being broken open, and immediately the aroma of the spikenard perfume inside began turning heads. Next Mary pours the perfumed oil over the head of Jesus, and according to John, also over his feet. Last, and most shocking of all, Mary knelt down and began to wipe the excess perfume from the feet of Jesus with her hair. The crowd was stunned, and the disciples were scandalized, “Why was this waste made?” they demanded to know. “This could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Interestingly, we learn in other gospel accounts that Judas was the instigator of the criticism and not because he gave a fig about the poor, but because he helped himself to the offerings whenever he could. Through all the commotion and protests, Mary remained silent. Then Jesus spoke, “Leave her alone! She has done what she could! She has prepared my body beforehand for the burial.” Also, notice, that the disciples who had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain, watched Him walk on water and turn water into wine, were not doing anything to honor Him. And even though Jesus had often told them that He was going to be arrested and put to death, none of them believed it. But Mary, believed and chose to do what she could with the time that she had. Her story is still being told wherever the Gospel is proclaimed and causes me to ask. “What can I do for Jesus today?”