The Alabaster Jar

She entered the roomcarrying an alabaster jar.It was evening –they sat around in conversation.

She approached Jesus quietlyand breaking open the jar she pouredthe precious fluid over his head and filled the air with sweetness.

"Why this waste?”"Who is this woman?" "Why doesn't he stop her?"

Questions crowded the roomsucking up all the air    ... hard to breathe.

“Leave her alone!       She has anointed me for my burial."

Then he turned and blessed her.Smiling quietly she leftblending into the night.      The shattered alabaster remained      catching the flickering light.

Pamela Hickey, RSCJ