…the house was filled with fragrant perfume John 12:3
This scripture segment from John’s gospel is part of the larger story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with oil, some of you may be familiar with this passage.
It is where we get an indication of Judas and his character, his concerns for money.
It was not Judas that really struck me in this passage but the reference to the smell of the nard oil used by Mary, filling up the house. It occurred to me there are many places in the Bible where smell is referred to.
Perfume in the Bible is found in prophecy, metaphor, and poetry. The gifts of the Three Kings gold, frankincense and myrrh, served a purpose. These gifts foretold Christ’s kingship, priesthood and death.
Paul makes references to perfume in his Epistles. In writing to the Corinthians, he talks of sharing the good news of Jesus as spreading the pleasing aroma of Christ. Paul tells the Ephesians that followers of Christ should be an offering “whose fragrance is pleasing to God.”
Smells can bring up many memories and emotions for us. The smell of bread, doughnuts, and your grandmother’s perfume can make us feel like we are at home, can make us feel loved.
When I was out for a walk the other day, my neighbor had cut his grass, and the smell assured me summer is on its way!
Scent is a vivifier (new word for me, it means aliven), it brings us back to life (smelling salts?), it brings us into the present moment, even if the smell evokes memories. Scent makes us more aware of our surroundings.
When you get this newsletter, Easter will soon be upon us. The idea of scents bringing us back to life is a powerful metaphor as we contemplate the resurrection of Christ. I hope his resurrection reveals for you that love is stronger than death. Jesus walked to and through his death with love, his life did not become death, his life became love.
We are lucky to live in the part of the world where Easter and spring happen at the same time. When our corner of creation is reborn, when new life springs up around us, we need not spend a lot of time contemplating how and why this happens. With spring upon let’s revel in the love God has shown for us in creation, and through the gift of his son, who taught us to love.
Remember to breathe in the love of God this spring…even if it calls for a dose of Claritin!
Happy Easter!
Pastor Val
Arcane Technology Solutions, LLC