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Diocesan Meditations

April 6: The Lavishness of God

4/6/2020

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"The Lavishness of God"
Written by the Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee,
President of the Standing Committee for the Diocese of South Carolina


It is Monday in Holy Week. Today our Gospel reading is John 12:1-11. We hear about the anointing of Jesus’s feet at Bethany by Mary with costly perfume. Biblical scholars and commentators remark that the purpose of the story is to show that Mary, in her quite humble and sacrificial act, is not only anointing Jesus for his burial that will follow soon, but also anointing Jesus as King and High Priest. It is Jewish tradition that kings and high priests are anointed with oil. In this radical act, we see Mary confessing and acclaiming Jesus as High priest, as king.
 
The fact that Mary anoints his feet, and not, let’s say, his head, like other kings and high priests, reminds us that there is something very unique about Jesus; something about his servanthood and humility that differentiates him from other kings and priests. Jesus is the Son of God, and chose not to position himself into a place of earthly power, but instead walked among us, dining and conversing with outcasts and sinners, publicans and prostitutes. This is our God: an itinerant rabbi with filthy feet. And Mary anoints those filthy feet with her hair. In this act we find that Mary is “letting her hair down,” mirroring our Lord’s self-emptying love as she lavishly pours out all that she has at the feet of her beloved.
 
I am reminded of time spent with the Reverend Martin Smith during Holy Week a few years back where he reminded us all that the mere amount of the nard being used, mirrors that at Jesus tomb, where we find Nicodemus supplying it. These amounts of nard, being used at the home of Lazarus by Mary, and the amount used at Jesus tomb, are both nothing short of complete overkill. A deeper spiritual meaning must be at work. This amount of nard is used to express the lavishness of God.

The lavishness of his love.

The lavishness of his mercy.

The lavishness of his grace in the fragrant offering he gives once and for all in his son, Jesus.

May we rest in the lavishness of God’s love, grace, and mercy in the days ahead.

Peace,
Caleb+
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    Meditations

    During the uncertain times created by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, leadership of the diocese will send out regular meditations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for the next while as we all adjust to a new chapter of living and being the Church.

    ​The Archdeacon, The Venerable Calhoun Walpole, will share a meditation each Wednesday; The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Visiting Bishop for our Diocese, will offer a meditation each Saturday; and the Rev. Cn. Caleb Lee, President of the Standing Committee, will share a reflection each Monday.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Vision
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Commission on Ministry
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Diocesan Meditations
    • Outreach
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Racial Justice & Reconciliation
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Events Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lent 2023
    • Sacred Ground 2022
    • Responding to COVID-19
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 232nd Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission