Devotion - Wednesday, September 20

At bible study last night, we made reference to the story of the woman who anoints Jesus, prior to his death.  This morning, that story was in my cycle of appointed readings.

In the Mark 14 story, Jesus is at the home of Simon the leper.  The woman comes and pours expensive oil over the head of Jesus.  When some are critical of this woman's extravagance, Jesus commends her and notes that what she has done will be retold whenever the story of his life is shared.

This story (and the one where another woman kisses Jesus' feet and wipes them with her own hair) came up as we were discussing stories of serving others.  Our text last night was the baptismal promise to "serve others following the example of our Lord Jesus."  The service we do is one of the five gifts of baptism.

And so, by a weird twist of circumstances, this woman's service is lifted up two days in a row.  And so, I feel compelled to challenge you with this baptismal charge.

What will be said (or remembered) about you.  What will be retold?  Service following the example of Jesus should not be seen as a requirement to enter heaven.  As one participant put it last night - serving unites me with others and the the other; it allows me to experience my life as connected.

Connect with others and with the world around you.  Follow Jesus' example and become a servant.