Coming out from the flesh trade

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 6:22pm

Surely there had been thousands of reflections on her life.   But this morning's reflection on Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus at Simon's house (Luke 7:36-50) was something new-- at least to me. ;-) I got stuck thinking about the perfume. Yes, the cost of the perfume which is equivalent to a one-year salary (granting a minimum-wage earner, still, the perfume is expensive!)

Why this particular perfume?  Simon knew who she was. And probably, he is fuming mad at the thought of having her in the house. Of all people! Why on earth she was there? How could this woman put him in a very embarrassing situation. And to make a scene like that? The nerve! 

Why that particular perfume?  Mary invested on that expensive perfume for her to thrive in the flesh trade. She is beautiful but she needs a signature scent that would signal clients to come nigh. But that very moment, she just poured everything on to Jesus feet.  "What a waste of money!", the spectators smirked. And the banquet host began to question Jesus why he seemed to enjoy the attention given him.  Of which Jesus politely and indirectly anwered by quoting a story.  Simon must have marked that day!

With that last drop of perfume comes Mary's resolve to come out from and leave the flesh trade for good.   Of course the economic implication of her decision is obvious. I wonder how many mouths she need to feed, how many lives depend on her?  But nothing matters to her that very moment than being able to express her utmost love to Christ who brought meaning and purpose to her life. She radically and publicly surrendered her life, her job and her future.

"Your sins are forgiven.. your faith has saved you; go in peace", Jesus' gentle affirmation to Mary. And such affirmation encompasses the journey of the here and now and the life after-- until that final stop in glory.  

I smiled, trying to picture how Mary Magdalene took those words. Did she excitedly leapt on her feet and gave Jesus a big hug? Ooops, culturally unacceptable. Or maybe she just contained her joy in her heart, and silently left. ;-)

Then my thoughts went back to the perfume-- this time, my perfume.  

 Have I poured out the last drop or am I still keeping some?

"Lord, you created me and You know me better than I would ever know myself.  Open my eyes and help me see the areas that are left unsurrendered; that I may offer them to you without any reservations; that before you I can honestly say, 'Lord, reign in me'. Thank you for your unconditional love and grace. To you I offer my life every day. Amen"