Page 25 - laten-08-06-2020

Prophet

It was the custom to pour a few drops of perfume on a
guest when arrived at a house or when he sat down at a meal.
The act of pouring the oil connotes the anointing of kings and
priest in the Old Testament and can be particularly related to
the Messiah. She performed a special prophetic service for Jesus
at a time when his death was near. This action was condemned
by the disciples but Mark story is not intended to minimize
the importance of the poor, “but to emphasize that religious
observance is less important than one’s response to Jesus”.

Performer
Any action performed by the women was not considered
and appreciated by the Jewish society. But this unnamed
woman, performed an act to prepare Jesus for his death. Jesus
acknowledged her and her action by saying that “she has
performed a good service for me.”

Purifier

The women in Jewish society were considered impure
due to their menstrual cycle. Hence they considered the women
as inferior beings and untouchables. The impure woman purified
the body of Jesus which will be broken for the cleansing and
reconciliation of those who believe in Him.

Proclaimer

The unnamed woman’s action symbolically proclaims
that Jesus is a messiah. True understanding of Jesus messiahship
does not come powerfully through the experience of miracles
or through his public preaching or private instructions but
only in and through “taking up the cross” of suffering and
death. In the midst of male disciples who are going to betray

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People