Mary Magdalene Anointed The Lord With Perfume
Mary Magdalene, also known as Mary of Magdala, was a disciple of Jesus Christ. She is best known for anointing the Lord with perfume, an act of love and devotion that is still celebrated today.
The Biblical Account
The story of Mary anointing Jesus is found in several of the gospels, including Matthew, Mark, and John. According to the accounts, Jesus was dining at the home of Simon the leper when Mary came in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume.
Mary broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head. The aroma of the perfume filled the entire room, and some of the guests were upset at what they saw as a waste of expensive perfume.
Jesus, however, defended Mary's actions, saying that she had done a beautiful thing and that her act of love and devotion would be remembered forever.
Symbolism
The anointing of Jesus by Mary has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. Some see it as a symbol of Mary's deep love and devotion to Jesus, while others see it as a symbol of Jesus' impending death and burial.
In the Jewish tradition, anointing with oil was a sign of being chosen by God for a special purpose. By anointing Jesus with perfume, Mary was acknowledging him as the Messiah and affirming her belief in his divine mission.
The Meaning Today
The story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume continues to be celebrated by Christians around the world. It is seen as a reminder of the importance of love and devotion in our lives, as well as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice and ultimate victory over death.
Many churches hold special services or events to commemorate the anointing of Jesus with perfume, and some even offer anointing with oil as a way to connect with the story and its meaning.
Conclusion
The story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and devotion in our lives. It is a symbol of Jesus' divine mission and ultimate victory, and a reminder that we too can play a part in that mission by living lives of love and service.
