RE Verse reading–Mark 14:1-9 (day one)
“And they rebuked her harshly.” (vs 5) Sad. People are often critical of others on religious grounds. We second guess the songs they sing, the emotions they express, the liturgy they use. The irony (often) is that the critic is more deserving of rebuke than the one being criticized. Mark 14 tells the story of a simple (extravagant, yes, but still simple) act of worship by Mary toward Christ. She opens an expensive jar of perfume and pours it out on His head and feet. She is harshly criticized for it. How typical. How sad. “Do not judge lest you be judged. . .why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, then you will see clearly (and compassionately–ed. note) to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1,3,5)
