Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today's Gospel lesson, Mark 14:1-11, includes the story of the Anointing at Bethany. I've always read this story thinking the woman with the alabaster flask proved a kind of theological principle: that an extravagant outpouring for God is always preferable to careful accounting.

But of course, this is a complex story, with multiple currents, and it is always risky to reduce a story like this to a simple principle. St. John Chrysostom actually preached a contradictory interpretation of the story, and this is worth noting, because his take reflected a traditional Christian teaching -- and one which we may not have in mind when reading this passage!

Even though Jesus honored the woman for her generous gift, which served as a sign of his impending death, St. John Chrysostom said that the disciples were not wrong in the principle of their rebuke. In fact, he stated a principle based on this and related circumstances in the Bible: it is better to show mercy to the poor than outward signs shown even to God. However, Jesus understood that once a gift has been given, it would be a mercy to receive it, so he did not rebuke the woman.

Here's St. John Chrysostom:

'If anyone had asked Christ before the woman did this, He would not have approved it. But after she had done it, He looks only to the gift itself. For after the fragrant oil had been poured, what good was a rebuke? Likewise, if you should see anyone providing a sacred vessel or ornament for the walls of the church, do not spoil his zeal. But if beforehand he asks about it, command him to give instead to the poor.'

This is a strong perspective, and perhaps we should expect no less from the golden-mouthed preacher, St. John Chrysostom! What I find challenging is the priority he places on generosity to the poor, even in the context of this story, in which the woman sacrifices generously for Jesus.

Yours in Christ,
Justin

P.S. Of course, I cannot resist sharing a recording of an Arvo Pärt setting of this story below.