Found by Love

A father had two sons and loved them with such a fierce love. He loved when one told him he wished he was dead and fled to a freer life among gentiles. He loved even when one was unable to be a son and instead sought to be dutiful and devout enough to earn his place. He loved in scandalous ways that protected and welcomed and made space. Where do we know such love?

Mary knew this scandalous and freeing love. She sat as a disciple at Jesus’ feet among the men cloaked in welcome and protection. She berated his absence as her brother died and they prepared him for the grave, anointed with costly perfumes. She felt his pain and reluctance as he reclined at her brother’s table, a breath away from the short journey to betrayal and unimaginable death.

She loved him with such a fierce love; breaking boundaries, pre-empting his loving foot washing of those who would deny and betray, defiantly offering embalming to one who would never receive such care.

Unlike Judas who used the poor for his own gain, she knew there will never cease to be poor in the land,[1] and that we are to hold the poor with us always. She opened wide her hand to this poor needy man[2] and loved him on into all that awaited him. She is the true disciple. Where do we love with such freedom?

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[1] Deuteronomy 15:11

[2] ibid