Voices Found: WLWC Epiphany VI C; Voices Found 1, 14 , 137) Ointment and Tears
Voices Found # 1
Holy woman, graceful giver,
prophet, servant, and believer,
woman with the ointment jar,
rose up at the time appointed
broke the seal, Christ's head anointed
for the coming fatal hour.
Words: Susan Palo Cherwein (1953-2021)
Music: Alabaster, Robert A. M. Ross
Voices Found # 14
Delivered from shame,
the woman came,
with kneeling devotion sublime,
to the feet of her Lord,
and with tears adored
her soon to be risen Lord.
verse 1
Words and Music: Carol E. Peterson (1932-2022)
Reflection:
Numbers 5:11-24, 27-28 tells of the humiliating treatment by priests in the Temple, of women accused of sexual misconduct. Gafney's translation makes theTemple scene all too vivid. When he (the priest) has made her drink the waters (of bitterness) then, if she has rendered herself unacceptable and has betrayed her husband...the curse begetting waters shall enter into her and cause bitterness and her womb shall swell and her uterus collapse, and the woman shall become an imprecation among her people. But if the womb has not rendered herself unacceptable and is pure, then she shall be uninjured and be able to be sown with seed.
Numbers 5: 27-28
Jesus knew the Scriptures. So did the woman with the ointment jar. She feared humiliation and punishment even as she offered her gift. Embodying the lavish love of God, Jesus forgave her profound sin. Her faithful life was changed forever; she would follow him even to the tomb.
And Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." then those who were reclining at the table with him began to say among themselves,"Who is this who even forgives sins?" And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Luke 7:48-50, tr. Gafney
Voices Found # 137
She poured the perfume lavishly,
a pound of precious nard,
anointing tenderly the feet that nails too soon would pierce.
With fragrance sweet the house was filled,
with scent of loving deed.
What gift shall I pour out for him
who gave his very life?
the treasure of my earth he seeks,
the precious nard of love.
With fragrance let me fill his house,
with scent of lavish love!
Words: Delores Dufner, OSB
Music: Sancta Civitas (1619) Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Meditation:
Like the ointment bearer, we have all sinned. We all need the lavish love of Jesus.
Can you think of lavish sin of yours that you need Jesus to forgive? Think of lavish love and ask him.
Do you need to forgive someone's sin that hurt you? Ask Jesus to help in his lavish love.
Have you been forgiven of a lavish sin? Thank our Gracious God.
What gift can you give? How can you share the lavish love?
Song of Praise:
Voices Found # 108
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God!
the vilest offender who truly believes,
that moment from Jesus forgiveness receives.
Praise the Lord!, Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory
Great things he has done!
Words: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
Music: W. H. Diane (1892-1916)
Voices Found # 108
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