February 10, 2009

Leviticus 4:1-6:13

We continue here with offerings for purification and reparation to God for sin and uncleanness. Again, though we do not follow these rules about burnt offerings, the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God remains a universal need. The last verse, 6:13, may be the basis for our practice of having a ‘perpetual candle’ lit in our sanctuary.

Matthew 26:1-25

The plot against Jesus thickens, and the disciple Judas accepts 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. An unnamed woman of Bethany anoints Jesus’ head with costly ointment. Jesus recognizes that she was (probably unknowingly) preparing him for burial. Jesus’ saying, “you always have the poor with you,” is not a justification to not help the poor, but a recognition that sometimes honoring Jesus or God with our resources is exactly what we are called to do.