MARK 14:03-09
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY
Text – Mark 14:3–9
3 When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head.
4 There were some who were indignant. “Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil?
5 It could have been sold for more than three hundred days’ wages and the money given to the poor.” They were infuriated with her.
6 Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me.
7 The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me.
8 She has done what she could. She has anticipated anointing my body for burial.
9 Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, was home to some of Jesus’ closest friends, including Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. While at the house of Simon the leper—perhaps someone healed by Jesus—a woman performed an act of deep devotion by anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. In Jewish culture, anointing with oil was associated with honor, kingship, and preparation for burial. The cost of the perfume, “three hundred days’ wages,” represented an extraordinary sacrifice. The criticism from some present, including Judas according to John’s Gospel (John 12:4–6), reveals their misunderstanding of true worship. The woman’s act foreshadowed the anointing of Jesus’ body after His death, linking love and sacrifice in a prophetic gesture.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This event embodies the theology of love that transcends material calculation. The woman’s act of selfless generosity contrasts with Judas’ cold self-interest. Her pouring of the costly perfume symbolizes total devotion—holding nothing back from the Lord. Jesus interprets her action as an anointing for His burial, connecting beauty and sorrow, love and death. In Catholic understanding, this scene prefigures the Eucharist, where Christ offers Himself completely out of love. The remark “the poor you will always have with you” is not a dismissal of charity but a prioritization of honoring God as the source of all love for others. The Church venerates this woman’s unnamed faith as a model of true discipleship—adoring Christ in humble service and total surrender.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 26:6–13 – Parallel account highlighting the same defense by Jesus.
Luke 7:36–50 – A similar anointing by a sinful woman emphasizing forgiveness and love.
John 12:1–8 – Identifies the woman as Mary of Bethany and connects Judas’ objection to his greed.
Psalm 23:5 – “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Song of Songs 1:3 – “Your name is oil poured out,” symbolizing divine love.
Key Terms
Alabaster Jar – A costly vessel for storing perfume, symbolizing the woman’s total gift.
Spikenard – A precious aromatic oil imported from India, used for royal or sacred anointing.
Anointing – A sign of consecration and love; here, it prefigures Jesus’ burial and glorification.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is often proclaimed in Holy Week, especially on Holy Wednesday, as a prelude to the Passion. It invites believers to unite acts of devotion and sacrifice with Christ’s impending suffering. In Catholic spirituality, the woman’s gesture inspires the offering of one’s best to God in prayer, service, and worship—especially in the Eucharist, where love is poured out without measure.
Conclusion
The woman of Bethany teaches that authentic love for Christ is extravagant, not calculating. Her silent act becomes a timeless testimony of faith. In contrast to betrayal and greed, her devotion becomes a fragrant offering that fills the house—and the world—with the aroma of holiness. Jesus’ promise that her story will be remembered forever reveals how God treasures even the smallest act of sincere love.
Reflection
Do we, like the woman, give Jesus the best of what we have—our time, gifts, and hearts? Her action reminds us that love for Christ should overflow beyond practical limits. When we act out of pure love, our lives become a pleasing offering to God, echoing her silent yet powerful witness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, may my heart be like the woman of Bethany—humble, generous, and filled with love for You. Teach me to give without counting the cost and to see Your presence in every act of service. May my life be a fragrance of faith and gratitude that glorifies You forever. Amen.