Aromatherapy

Last year the perfume industry achieved over 31 billion dollars in sales and is expected by the year 2025 to hit over 50. Market analysts surmise that it is because of the global focus on personal grooming initiated by a slew of factors but listed at the top is the demand for private luxury. Down through history, perfume and expensive oils that birthed these fragrances have been considered as highly valuable and, for the most part, have been enjoyed by the more advantaged. If a young girl were fortunate enough to receive a perfume bottle as a gift for a milestone birthday or Christmas, she still remembers it and can tell you what fragrance it was. I can remember asking my mom for perfume, and she said I wasn’t mature enough to wear it. (By the way, she felt that way about a black dress as well). The first bottle of perfume for me was a small one as a combo gift from my brother and my dad, and it was “Heaven Sent.” A combo in our family meant it was Daryl’s idea and Dad’s money that secured the fragrance. If you read my other blogs, then you understand the meaning behind this name. This isn’t a rite of passage reserved only for gals. Daryl’s first bottle of smelly good stuff was Mennen aftershave in a Christmas stocking. Because my brother was enthusiastic in his wear, everything in his room smelled like Mennen. Even now, if I come across this aroma, it brings a smile to both my face and heart. My dad wore Old Spice, and my mom wore Arpege. I mention this because out of our senses, the sense of smell is closely related to memory. The sense of smell stirs passion in our memories and can stir it in others. If you don’t believe me, ask Coco Chanel. The world is passionate about perfume.

When I meditate on passion week events, one of the most stirring encounters is between Mary of Bethany and Jesus. Jesus has arrived in Bethany and is dining at the home of his friends, Lazarus, and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. It is easy to understand that the atmosphere was celebratory, for Jesus had already raised Lazarus from the dead. (This is reflected more in the next blog,” It’s Time To Wake Up”). The scriptures in John 12 reveal the dinner was in honor of Jesus. Without formal invitation, Mary took a luxurious, expensive perfume, and she began to put it on the feet of Jesus. The word used here for the application is “anoint,” and it is usually reserved to indicate a religious ritual of setting apart or honor, often used for commissioning like when Samuel anointed David, as King over Israel. This thought is confirmed a few verses later when Christ confirms that Mary has “anointed,” Him for his burial. I love that the scripture details that she wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. This is such an act of humility that reveals Mary’s deep love and gratitude she feels for Christ. If ever you have witnessed the expression of deep gratitude, love, and respect between people, it will stir your soul. This occurs where true worship of Christ is manifested. When this spirit of reverence is realized and recognized, the passion will sweep over others. We see then when Mary opened that perfume; it says the whole house filled with the fragrance. It wasn’t just the perfume that filled the house but the spirit of worship[ as well. It reminds me that true worship of Christ is more than great music, good lighting, disciplined vocals, and accuracy. Without the passion for Christ, empty worship might be entertaining at best but will not be fulfilling. Worship is not the experience I need to seek, but Jesus Himself. His presence. This is what will bless Him, me, and the “whole house,” as the scriptures say.

Of course, when I make myself transparent and vulnerable, there will always be naysayers who will chime in that seeking a spiritual relationship with Christ isn’t practical. Please take note that Judas had his own misplaced passions. Judas criticizes Mary’s impractical act by reminding all who will listen of the bottom line. Judas, a businessman, gives us the perspective of the worth of the perfume and how much more practical it would be if the fragrance were sold and the poor fed. The bible is very clear in revealing that Judas wasn’t interested in the poor but the power. How ironic that Judas was the treasurer for the disciples!

Furthermore, it says Judas often took from the kitty. It is a reminder that there is more to stewardship than bean-counting for those gifted with financial savvy. Also, it reminds me that materialism can often rearrange my priorities and that my passion for Christ can be robbed and invested in things that won’t ultimately matter. Jesus Himself rebukes Judas and reminds him that Mary had done a good thing because she took the opportunity to express her worship when it came. Jesus also states that this will always be the case. That there will always be other things to command. Neediness but that sometimes we will have to choose. This is the case for Mary making the more excellent choice. Mary had no idea that a short time later, Jesus would be arrested, tried, and crucified.

Years ago, there was perfume on the market called “Cachet” by Prince Matchabelli. Its caveat was that it was designed to mix with the chemistry of your own body and, therefore, as a result, would smell different on anyone who wore it. I like to think that on the breeze floating above all the stench of suffering and sweat on Golgotha, that Mary’s “Cachet,” her own unique anointing aroma was present. I am reminded that God has given me so much that I can use to express my love for Him. My life, my love for Him, is a sweet perfume, pleasing to Him. The aromatherapy of kindness, charity, peacemaking, gentleness, and integrity can be long remembered by those around me. A life of passionate worship of Christ can linger in the air long after I leave the room.