"The Extravagance of Love"

How much would you spend on someone you love? Would you be extravagant? One explanation comes from the Orthodox Study Bible, on Page 245 John 12:3"The account of the anointing contrasts Mary's act of devotion--the "extravagance of love"--with Judas's bitter cynicism. This interpretation was given from the Gospel reading of John 12:3.
"Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil."
(4) " But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, (5)"why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (6) "This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it."
(7)"But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial."
It is commonly observed that woman were dominated by men, who, in restricting their roles and actions, lived lives in submission to them. I wonder in this account what would have happened to Mary if Jesus hadn't come to her rescue.

Mary's act of kindness to Jesus, shows great love for her Master and great submission to His will in preparing Him for the day of His burial.

"The harlot spread out her hair for You the Master; Judas spread out his hand toward the wicked. She to gain pardon, he to gain silver." (the service book of Holy Tuesday Evening.)

Colossians 3:25 "But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."

Everyone has the same standing before the same Master. All authority is for the sake of loving service and all submission is to God. The Orthodox Study Bible, p.468

We know what became of Judas. The priceless myrrh of the harlot was blended with tears and "her you justified at once;" The services for Holy Week and Easter, on Holy Tuesday Evening.

And we will be hearing about Mary again...soon.