Most Valued

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair.  John 12:3 NIV

Jesus was at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary when Mary poured perfume on Jesus.  When Judas saw what Mary had done, he complained that the perfume should have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus commended Mary for her actions because they showed how much she loved and valued Him. Perhaps for some time Judas had been feeling resentful about the attention Jesus was getting. Perhaps he realized that Mary had a closer relationship with Jesus than he did, and he was jealous. Whatever the reason, Judas was so annoyed at Mary's extravagant display of devotion that soon after he went to the chief priests to betray Jesus.  Even in churches today, some people bristle at heart-felt devotion to Jesus. They much prefer to do works of charity that they can feel proud of. Too bad that it is possible for church members to resent someone's love of Jesus. We are called to help the poor but even more we are called to be in a deep relationship with Jesus.

I pray that I will be more like Mary who delighted in the presence of her Lord. I pray that I will be generous to others but that I will never place people above God.