The scent remains

Laura Digan March 30, 2026 0 0

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John 12: 1-11 (NIV-UK)

1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.’ 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[b] but you will not always have me.’

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

“I broke the jar because I didn't have the words to tell you how I felt. 

Before my courage could leave me, I broke the jar and the fragrance filled the room.

They all called it waste but I called it love. Because I saw what the others could not, or maybe would not, let themselves see. I saw the shadow drawing near, the pain you would carry.

I anointed your feet so that when I could not follow, something of me would remain. 

This perfume, expensive and poured out, will go where I cannot. It will cling to the dust of your path, linger in the air of your suffering, whisper that you are seen, that you are treasured.

I do not understand all that is coming, but my heart knows that love must be shown while there is still time.

This perfume speaks for me when my voice fails and when my fear holds me back. It says what I cannot —

that you are worth everything, and I am yours.”

Prayer:

Lord, when my courage wavers, let my love still reach you,

Like perfume poured out, quiet yet true.

Receive the little I have to offer

For you are worth everything—my heart, my all.