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EXPLORE
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The Myth of the Poor Church
The twelfth chapter of the Gospel of John tells of when Mary (sibling to Lazarus and Martha) takes a container of perfumed oil, worth a years wages, breaks it over Jesus’ feet and wipes it with her hair. Judas immediately berates her because he rationed that the oil should have been sold and the proceeds used to help the poor. While the author of John’s gospel also points out Judas’s ulterior motivation, I think it is helpful to examine this situation on the surface.
We in the modern church, especially those of us dealing in urban situations find ourselves caught in the dilemma of the financial reality of doing ministry. Especially in the recent economic climate more and more churches are struggling to just keep there doors open. The questions of do we do ministry which involves financial commitment, or do we replace a heater or repair a roof, have evolved into questions of do we keep paid clergy, try to operate with supply preachers only, consolidate our ministries with neighboring congregations, or just close our doors for good.
In light of these questions Mary’s act does indeed seem frivolous. It also says that when she did it the entire house was filled with the fragrance. Mary was doing more than a simple act of anointing; this was a demonstration of full commitment. In the time of Jesus’ ministry where his disciples are beginning to fully comprehend that Jesus was willingly going to Jerusalem to die, that all appears to be coming apart, Mary puts her money where her mouth is, or, more to the point she puts it on Jesus feet. Head to feet is in biblical culture is the ultimate symbol of submission, Mary literally is saying here, all that I have is yours and I submit fully to your will.
Maybe it is time for us in the church today, especially those of us who are part of a congregation that is financially challenged, to stop seeing ourselves as poor and realize that “we” are the church, and “we” are entrusted with something more valuable than silver or gold, we have the Good News of the Gospel and we are supported by the power of the Holy Spirit. As individuals begin to follow Mary’s example and in the face of despair and fear put it all at Jesus’ feet, the fragrance would fill the entire house, and maybe the entire neighborhood. And while some churches will indeed close, we need to always remember that there is, and needs to be, a Good Friday, before Easter. And for those people who celebrate Easter, they are the church, and those who celebrate Easter can never be poor.
I appreciate your comments and questions, they can be directed to me at Jneal192@aol.com
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