Find Your Calcutta

6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."- Matthew 23:6-13

Similarly to what I read yesterday, this morning I read this scripture as a call to service. Many may respond, "What?!? That verse! Service? What are you talking about?" Yesterday, we were called to serve "the least of these." But in other parts of the Bible, we are called to serve our brothers and sisters who are in need. Even in Romans, there is mention of ourselves as adopted siblings of Jesus. Jesus had hard days ahead of him, and this special perfume- this anointing was a special service for Jesus. It wasn't a mere pouring out of a lavish gift without reason.

Last night at the Veritas Forum, the speaker used some illustrations from Mother Theresa. She explained how when she went to work with Mother Theresa for 2 months. There, she spoke with her and Mother Theresa said to her, "Not everyone is called to work with the poor. Not everyone is called to be poor. You must find your own Calcutta." I read this before in "Irresistible Revelution", but this morning I realize how hard it is to find our own.

Sometimes it's easier to see the service that is needed in Calcutta, the service that is needed in the favela, the service that is needed in the streets with those in very difficult situations. Now, that's not to belittle it at all. But perhaps it's harder to see the service that is needed for Jesus, here in Matthew- a special anointing doesn't seem like a beautiful service of love at first. At first it seems that attention should go to the poor. But Jesus is quick to say that the poor will always be there.

Many take this verse out of context and use it to prove why they don't need to worry about the poor... it's futile, they say. I don't think Jesus life and ministry would uphold a neglect for caring for the poor, just the opposite in fact. However, here we see that others also need this attention.

It's easier to see the poor in Calcutta... and sometimes harder to see it in the office, at school, in the classroom.

So where is your Calcutta? What and where are you called to serve today?

As a patient mother, when the kids are on your last nerve
As a considerate husband, when your day has been too long
As a loving grandchild, who remembers her grandmother on Valentine's Day
As a careful teacher, who shows love in the interactions with students
As a generous co-worker, who helps out when needed
As a patient friend, who spends time with someone in need

Find your Calcutta in your every day.

Mine right now is in the Rhetoric and Composition Classroom... as college students are seeking, and looking for role models. I pray for their spiritual lives and attempt to show them I care.