Preached by Rev. Erik Kindem.
Scripture: John 12:1-8; Philippians 3:4b-14
Summary
Science teaches us that smell, emotion, and memory share closely networked real estate in the brain's limbic system. Today we find smell at the center of our gospel story, as Mary expresses her devotion and gratitude to Jesus with a lavishness that is beyond extravagant: she anoints his feet and wipes them with her hair. In the light of Mary’s gift all carefully calibrated acts of kindness; all elaborate scorekeeping; all petty pedigrees and self-regulated giving appears weak, stingy, and self-serving.