These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.

"Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.' " John 12:7

As Mary was criticized by Judas and scolded by the other male disciples, Jesus came to her rescue. 'Leave her alone', he said, 'leave the woman in peace. Why are you bothering her? She has done a good and beautiful thing for me. She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body to prepare it for burial.'

Jesus continued to explain the poor would always need the attention and loving compassionate care of the church (Deuteronomy 15:11). We need to open our hands generously to the needy. But our hearts must first and foremost be devoted to Jesus. Our devotion to Christ is our highest calling. If we do not love him with all our being, our service among the less fortunate is inadequate.

Mary had offered her best. Judas was using Jesus as a vehicle for his selfish ambitions. Jesus knew he would not live to see old age and had often predicted his early death (John 6:52-56; 7:33; 8:21-23; 10:11, 15). Mary had been the best listener Jesus ever had.

"Leave her alone." These three powerful words stopped the angry scolding. Jesus knew Mary had performed a great service. Her act of devotion would be told across the centuries with each generation of believers (Matthew 26:13).

In the face of approaching danger and death, Mary, Martha and Lazarus risked everything to honor Jesus and demonstrate their loyalty. But Mary risked more than the others did, for she was the most willing to be misunderstood and criticized in her efforts to demonstrate her love for Christ.

An anonymous saying reminds us that "the gospel has two sides, both a believing and a behaving side." Critics will be found throughout life. Some people will take offence at how we believe in Christ and how we behave as disciples. Let Christ deal with the critics while we follow the example of Mary.

Prayer: O Jesus, help us fix our eyes upon you as we live for you each day. May we live with the pure love and devotion, dedication and faithfulness of Mary. Amen.