In today’s gospel, Mary of Bethany takes a liter of perfumed oil and anoints the feet of Jesus. The fragrance of the oil fills the whole house, and everyone notices. Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus, complains that the oil should not have been wasted in this way. But Jesus defends Mary’s actions, saying, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.”
Memory is a key component of Ignatian spirituality. We remember our journey with God and how he has been present to us in a myriad of ways. Another key component of Ignatian spirituality is the use of our senses: seeing, feeling, tasting, hearing, and yes, even smelling those moments of grace. In fact, our sense of smell is intimately tied to our memory. Just think of how an aroma can instantly remind you of a person, a place, a certain period of your life. Suddenly, all the feelings associated with it come rushing back to you.
The smell of perfumed oil would forever remind Mary of Bethany of that intimate moment she shared with the Lord. It was his gift to her. Perhaps today we can spend time using our memory and our senses to remember the many ways God has been present to us.