In Memory

We have a hard time understanding some things that happen in life.

One such example is when a young person dies.  We look for ways to memorialize them, to do whatever we can to help finish the mission we attribute to them, to keep the flame burning in their memory.

But some were there who said to one another in anger, "Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they scolded her. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.  - Mark 14:4-7

In today's reading from Mark's Gospel, Jesus tells us how we can keep the flame burning for him.

We will always have the poor, he tells those who would criticize the way a woman chose to honor him.  Honor God by helping them.

Perhaps that is not exactly how they would have understood what he was saying, but I like to think it is a lesson for us.  Do what we see needs to be done rather than criticize others for not doing what we feel they should do.

Of course it is always easier to criticize others, isn't it?

But when someone who has compassion for others has his or her life cut short, then we stop and take notice of the good they were doing, and we feel the loss.  If only he had lived to continue the good work, or if only she had finished school and become who she could have been.

So, why wait?  Why hold out until someone with passion for life dies before we start living?

Those who feel more can be done for those in need, should do more themselves.  Do it in your own memory, so you won't have to wait for a reason.

More to come...