There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
Mark 14:4–5, ESV
In other accounts, the scolding of Mary for anointing Jesus with the expensive perfume is done by Judas, but in this account, others were included. Now, Jesus was very charitable in His response. I see this as an opportunity for us, as followers, to ask ourselves about the spirit of our responses. I have often heard criticisms of churches and people for spending on various things with a similar response. It is interesting how “giving to the poor” is quickly thrown out there. The issue, as Jesus points out, isn’t the “giving to the poor,” but it usually highlights another issue in the one criticizing. As followers of Christ, we may not always agree with everything our church does. That does not mean that the church is obligated to do as we feel is correct. If it is not contrary to the Word of God and is done to either further the ministry or has a benefit within the ministry, what is the reason for the complaint? If it isn’t that the leadership or the majority of fellow members did not agree with you, whose issue is it? If it is within the will of God, it will prosper. If it is contrary to the will of God, it won’t. Similar to the teacher Gamaliel when he addressed the Sanhedrin about their concerns about Jesus if what He is doing is for God, who are we to stand against Him? In all things, we are called to bring it to God in prayer and not be cynical in our hearts about the actions of others. It is OK to disagree. One can disagree and remain in unity overall. It is when the disagreement brings separation which we should bring concern to our hearts. It is for Christ we stand, and in Him, we are called to stand together.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.