Extravagant love

John 12 : 1 - 11

Imagine a loved one who is going to die. Imagine how we would want to minister to him or her. Mary knew her Lord, loved him and among the whole group of close knit disciples, she was willing to move beyond denial of his coming death to an acceptance. A creative acceptance - for this led her to show him extravagant love - a farewell gift. She responds to the way he has loved them all, she has appropriated his love for them all, and makes a return in his own way. She anoints him - a 'fragrant' offering, a most comforting gift for one who is going to his death.

Extravagant love works two ways. First comes God's love for us - He first loved us with extravagant love. We are offered a gift we can receive, open and use. On our part, we are inspired to make a return of love, offering even what costs us the most. The world and worldly ones do not understand our choices. How wasteful - not to use your talents to create wealth. How wasteful to give of your time to serve God without any monetary rewards. Today, the same misunderstanding and criticism comes to those who dance to a different tune. Yet, when we do hear that tune, when we experience the drawing towards our Lord, we, like Mary, would not think twice to offer our best to the Lord.

He will surely receive with appreciation whatever is done out of love for Him. Extravagant love - God's and ours.