In this Lenten season, we are considering the lives of some of the “saints” who have come before us. This Sunday, we learn from the wisdom, courage and faith of Mahatma Gandhi. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “I had about concluded that the ethics of Jesus were only effective in individual relationship. The “turn the other cheek” philosophy and the “love your enemies” philosophy were only valid, I felt, when individuals were in conflict with other individuals; when racial groups and nations were in conflict a more realistic approach seemed necessary. But after reading Gandhi, I saw how utterly mistaken I was.” In this time of unrest, conflict and war in our world, what might we learn from Gandhi, and those he inspired, to live as people of love, faith, courage and hope? (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/my-pilgrimage-nonviolence#fn10)
In the scripture passage this Sunday (based on John 12:1-8, and also found in Matthew), Jesus is sharing a meal with friends. As Mary anoints his feet with perfume, Jesus foreshadows his impending death. Some harshly criticized Mary’s gift of grace, as wasteful. However, Jesus did not. Perhaps, that blessing, of love and care, also strengthened him in the hardest days that were ahead, as he was willing to give the ultimate gift of his life.
We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Gifts of Grace, Gifts of Self”. Our Sanctuary Singers, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying, will present a scene from Bach's St. Matthew Passion, depicting the passage in Matthew's gospel where Jesus gathers with others at a home in Bethany. There a woman anoints him. When the disciples complain that the oil could have been sold to feed the poor, Jesus calms them in a beautiful aria in which he foreshadows his death. The scene concludes with a reflection sung by the alto who represents our relationship to Christ. There will be a moment for children, prayers and reflections, hymns, and the gift of community.
Remember the time change! Set your clock ahead one hour on Saturday night.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the live stream.