The Sacred in the Ordinary (May 12)
A woman who had a low reputation in that town came to the house. She had learned that Jesus was dining with the Pharisee, so she brought with her an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. She stood behind Jesus, crying, and her tears fell on his feet. Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the oil. (Luke 7:37-38)
The humble dandelion, often dismissed as a weed, holds a quiet beauty that reflects a profound truth: the sacred can be found in the most ordinary places. Its resilience, golden blossoms, and seeds that dance on the wind testify to a Creator who imbues even the simplest creation with purpose and grace. Overlooked yet enduring, the dandelion reminds us to seek beauty where we least expect it.
Similarly, the woman in Luke's gospel, despite her reputation, recognised the divine in Jesus and honoured him with a profound act of love and devotion. Her tears, her kiss, and the anointing of his feet with precious oil were a testament to her faith. In a world that often judges by appearances, both the dandelion and the woman invite us to look deeper, to find the sacred in the ordinary, and to offer our own unique gifts with humility and grace.
Reflection:
Where in my life have I overlooked the sacred because it appeared ordinary or unworthy?
How can I, like the woman in the Gospel, offer my own unique gifts to honour the divine in others?
Prayer:
Creator of all, open my eyes to see the sacred in the ordinary and the beauty in the overlooked. May I learn to offer my gifts with humility and grace, honouring You in all I encounter.
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An extended reflection is available as a 5min audio/video
This is a publication of St John’s Cathedral Brisbane (Australia)
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