Thursday, April 2

Mark 14: 3-10, 66-72

Life presents us with times of great certainty as well as times of doubt. The woman with the alabaster jar was certain as to her task. She held Jesus in great esteem and paid him respect with the anointment. Some would say it was the anointment of kings, others the foreshadowing of his death. This action by a poor woman was accepted by Jesus for the gift it was. I admire the inner strength and certainty of this woman. I know I strive to have clarity of purpose just like this woman had. Sometimes I succeed and other times, well, it could be better.

Just as in Peter’s case, doubt and fear creep into my life and have me questioning the certainties of who I am, and what I believe. Life becomes fuzzy. I wonder is there a God? Did Jesus really die for our sins? What does that really mean? What gifts do I have? Am I being of service to others?

I think it will take me a lifetime to answer these questions. As soon as I answer one, another takes its place. How I sometimes envy the simple faith and certainty of the woman with the alabaster jar.