Dinner at Simon's

FRIDAY
Just 1 week before the crucifixion of Jesus the gospels tell us about 'Dinner at Simon's.  
This sounds a bit like a Neil Simon comedy, but it was not, and so I do need to clarify, This happening event was former leper Simon throwing a dinner party with former dead person Lazarus in attendance. Of course while not being an expert at throwing or attending parties.. former lepers and dead folk are not what you would find at let's say a Hollywood A list party after the Academy Awards.  Then again this former leper and dead person were now more alive than most anything found in the spirit ual death valley of Hollywood.

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But 2000 years ago both Simon and Lazarus are lookin’ good for a couple guys who had either 1 or both feet in the grave.  Never the less I would have been very careful about the finger foods being served by a former leper. I think you get my point and DO NOT need this cartoonist to draw you a picture.

Then what became an awkward dinner party moment was Mary performing the extravagant act of love by washing Jesus feet with her hair, her tears, and expensive perfume. 

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Of course Judas is aghast as he missing the point of this extravagant act of love and worship of Jesus as he instead puts a dollar value on wasting expensive perfume on dusty feet.

I love the timing of this party and this extravagant gift of perfume just one week before Jesus is crucified as it is a day of preparation of the final week of Jesus.

My prayer is that in a similar way we prepare our hearts and minds for the Holy Week. I pray we take note of the words and actions of the key players as we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In all things, to God be the glory.  

Thank you Jesus for this extravagant gift of love!

Blessings, Jeff

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