“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “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.”    John 12 : 7 – 8

Readings this week Isaiah 43 : 16 - 21; Philippians 3 : 4b - 14; John 12 : 1 - 8

Thought for this week

As we come together this week we begin the journey to the Cross, and to Jesus’ incredible sacrifice for us through love. The hardest road for our forgiveness, freedom and hope.

We begin the journey with an extravagant act of worship by Mary pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping His feet with her hair.

Next week will be the very public entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, with the crowds, the shouting, the sounds and sights amidst the busyness of the street.

Yet this week we focus on this intimate scene of Jesus with His closest disciples, receiving honour and praise, receiving their preparation for His death and burial, receiving their adoration, through the ministry of a woman, of Mary.

Even in the closeness of the gathering she is undistracted, focussed only on her task. She is carrying out an act of worship for us all, for all who have believed, or who will believe now and beyond. It is the worship of the whole of the church for Jesus, our loving Saviour.

It reminds us of the Wise Men at Jesus’ birth. Now He comes to the Cross so we can all have new birth. Praise the Lord for His love for us. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

Gracious Father, you gave up your Son out of love for the world: lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion, that we may know eternal peace through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen