“Ce qui était en son pouvoir, elle l’a fait » – Marc 14 :8
What was in her power, she did it.
I love the French version of this little fact about Mary who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil, giving him a foot massage!
In doing a bit of internet research, I found out that this Mary is likely Lazarus’ sister, the one who had a previous foot reputation. She would gather with the men and listen to Jesus, sitting at his feet while her sister fumed in the kitchen.
What I extract from this verse is that we all have SOMETHING, some kind of ability, gift, talent or goods. And when we use it in a worshipful and loving way, we receive recognition, but not from men…….
There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. (verses 4, 5)
My friend and I were discussing a Latin phrase yesterday – “Laborare est orare – Orare est laborare” that is “to work is to worship – to worship is to work.”
I find the 2nd part of the motto the more interesting. When we ascribe worth to God, we are worshipping, doing what we were meant to do. That IS our work.
“What am I going to do with my life????” – is the cry of my seniors where I teach. Tomorrow is the 1st day of March. They have 3 more months of high school and then off to college they go. They are angsting over the first significant (so they think) decision of their lives.
But truly, our life is but a collection of moments, one after another. All we have is:
THIS moment – this SECOND.
How should we work in this moment? By doing what is in our hand to do.
– What has God given you that you can use or do right now in a way that shows the world that – you love the eternal, infinite, unchanging only true and wise God?
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Paul’s inspired advice to the Colossians, 3:17
Feb 28, 2013 @ 20:59:20
A-Men! 🙂 Well said. 🙂 Our entire life should be one large act of worship. Enjoyed your post. 🙂
Feb 28, 2013 @ 22:55:29
Thanks, Jason. That’s my prayer….when I remember! I get so self-referential and have to remember to look UP!
Maria
Feb 28, 2013 @ 23:08:57
Come visit our site when you can. I pray our articles will strengthen you in your worship of God.
Feb 28, 2013 @ 22:12:40
You are so prolific with these Maria, and they are ALL so good. Bless those seniors , who for them, are struggling with what seems to most important thing, but oh life continues to throw us momentous moments all the time. Praying for your momentous moment of when someone walks through your door saying “this is the house for me!” It will happen..only days till Jen is home! Seems momentous to me
Feb 28, 2013 @ 22:56:18
Thanks for your comments. I’m praying for Jen’s safe arrival, too! We’re all waiting for something. But the good news is that Jesus us is with us here – in THIS moment.