Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

     When we read the Gospel for today, we hear of the controversy that erupts as a woman anoints Jesus with a costly perfumed oil before his final days leading to the crucifixion.  Some of the disciples argue that "the oil could have been sold and the money used for helping the poor and doing something productive."  But Jesus says that the woman's done the better thing - she's begun the preparations for his death.
     This seemingly wasteful act reminds of us of the reason for all that we do as God's people sharing the grace and love we have already come to know.  We do good for others not to do good for the good done. We do good to share in the life and work of God in Jesus Christ.  By our actions prepared and rooted in faith, we share a part of Christ's work and life for the world. 
     The woman's anointing was not a waste, because Jesus was on his way to the cross.  Her care was a means of ushering in what will come through the cross and tomb.  Just as Jesus cannot bring life in the resurrection without first dealing with the death of the world, so we cannot completely do the works of mission, service, compassion, justice, and mercy without embracing Christ in our hearts and lives to see our parts in him.
     The essence of the days leading to Good Friday are intentional, faith-filled preparations.  Take the time to prepare, to seek the meaning and fullness of what God gives and declares through the cross and tomb.  Take the time to see that we prepare not for internal, superstitious spiritual insurance policies, nor soulless unreachable transformation to the world.  Rather, we prepare to be a part of the anointed one's  renewal of all things on the earth and in our lives.
    And may our simple acts of preparation, like the woman with the oil, be a part of ushering in the kingdom and vision of life as God breathed into meaning over the void, and breathes forth again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Guided by our Associate, Mike Woods, the youth and young adults, have lead us through an seemingly impossible feat - gathering 10,000 cans of food in cans or cash for Hawaii Food Bank.
With the latest sponsors for the Holy Week 30 Hour Famine, and Sunday's offering - we are a mere 1,000 cans away - that's a mere $400 worth of cans.  This Sunday as a gift of thanksgiving for the Resurrection of our Lord - I ask a special act in addition to your usual stewardship and offerings to God - bring your spare change on Sunday!  Let's be the light that Christ calls us to be.  I pray we can see that even that which seems only insignificant bits can also powerful instruments of God's new life in the world, right now!