Extravagance

When Mary broke the alabaster box
Upon the feet of Jesus, she would show,
Despite the faces that were creased in shock,
Her heart for Him was overflowing and aglow.

This glorious ointment's costly price would be
The wages for a year, a cost she bore
On One who filled her life, no thought gave she
Only on Him, she would her love outpour.

The fragrance filled the house with ointment rare
His garments that sweet odour would retain
Her hair that fragrance carried, to declare
A blest illogic, love need not explain.

With Him, our hearts should not require always
A reasoned answer in our love for Him
Extravagant response and heartfelt ways
Will peter out and fail when hearts grow dim.

So Mary would anoint His feet with oil
It was devotion that was rarely seen
And can we not dispense with frantic toil
Anoint with love the steps His feet have been.

An overflowing love will warm His heart
And our hearts too, lit by the Spirit's fire
The fragrance of our offerings to impart
Within the secret place and lead us higher.

Book by Paul Purday

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