Mary of Bethany

In Bethany, as Jesus dines with friends,
And Martha sees to it that all are fed,
Her sister to the Lord alone attends,
Anointing him for coming days of dread.
She breaks the jar as love and duty meet;
Her worldly wealth she gives no thought to spare.
With precious oil she gently bathes his feet;
She kisses them, and dries them with her hair.
He gives his broken body for his sheep;
His precious blood upon the earth is spilled.
And for himself no portion does he keep—
His glory is his Father’s will fulfilled.
The fragrance of the nard now fills the room,
Announcing to the earth new Eden’s bloom.

—Joseph Mirra