Sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
In the few days that remain before the suffering and death that await him in Jerusalem, Jesus spends time with those he loves, visiting with his close friends in Bethany. Of all the people around him, Mary alone seems to recognize something of the significance of Jesus’ approaching death, and to want to honour it in whatever way she can. She alone wants to do something for Jesus, rather than expecting anything more from him, this man who had been so moved by her tears and who had returned her brother to life. She does something beautiful for Jesus while she has him with her, preparing his body for its inevitable death, a death that ultimately will gather into one all the scattered children of God, a death that will bring everlasting life to all who turn to him in faith.
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