Pure Nard
AM Psalm 56, 57, [58] • PM Psalm 64, 65
Job 40:1-24 • Acts 15:36-16:5 • John 11:55-12:8
The economics of Jesus’ earthly ministry are a rare topic in the Gospels, but in today’s reading from the Book of John we learn of “the common purse” and Judas Iscariot’s role as its keeper. The parenthetical notes that identify Judas as the one who will later betray Jesus—and also call him out as a thief—seem to be included to make sure we recognize Judas Iscariot as “the bad guy” in this story.
But what if those character defamations were not included in this passage? I can see myself siding with Judas—or at least understanding his questioning the use of such a costly perfume. Wouldn’t selling it and giving the money to the poor be in keeping with Jesus’ teaching?
When I visited the Treasury at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and saw the abundant gold, silver, and jewel-encrusted crosses and chalices, I had a similar thought as Judas. These tributes from wealthy pilgrims through the ages stood in stark contrast to the beggars on the plaza just beyond the cathedral doors. Why not redistribute the vast wealth held by the church to address the needs of the poor? I can appreciate the “glory to God” manifested in high architecture and art, but are all of these worldly trappings necessary?
Jesus’ statement at John 12:8 seems to be the “teaching moment” of this passage: “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” Anointing Jesus prior to his death is an important ritual, but why does it sound like Jesus is dismissing plight of the poor? Didn’t he preach about the need to care for the most marginalized of society?
Perhaps the takeaway here is that “throwing money at the problem” is not the solution—but rather working toward eradicating systems of injustice that perpetuate economic disparity should be our mission instead.
Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell
...who now knows more about “nard” than you will have to read in this reflection and is grateful to have Emma Mitchell as her editor!