But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me."

Mark 14:6, NASB

This is certainly one of the most beautiful events of Jesus' ministry here on earth. In a life filled with doing wonderful things for others, here we have a circumstance where someone actually does something wonderful for Jesus. A woman, Mary, is so overcome by Jesus' kindness that she breaks an expensive vial of perfume and anoints the feet of Christ with it. It is such a beautiful act that it is told about in all four accounts of the Gospels - one of the few events to have such a distinction. As we continuing reading, Jesus says, "She has done what she could..." Mark 14:8, RSV

The strange thing (though maybe not so strange, when you think about it) is that she was immediately criticized for her "waste" because the perfume that she used to pour on Jesus' feet was very expensive. As it turns out, it was Judas who was the primary critic. He accused her of wasting something that could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor, when all the time we find that he was just a thief looking to get something for himself.

Just think about the simplicity of what has been done: A woman did what she could! Yet this was such a novel occurrence that it became one of the most noteworthy events of Jesus' ministry. That being the case, maybe there is a lesson for us, today. Maybe, if we will follow Mary's example and do what we can, we too might find that our lives can actually be pleasing in the sight of God.

And that truly would be a beautiful thing! Are you doing what you can?

Today's reading is Mark chapter 14. It is definitely worth your consideration!