Extravagant Love for Christ

Mary's act of devotion is sandwiched between the evil plotting of the religious leaders (Vs. 1-2) and the betrayal of Judas (Vs. 10-11). William Macdonald puts it this way, "As a jeweler places a diamond against black velvet, the Holy Spirit and his human writer Mark skillfully highlight the radiance of a woman's love for our Lord between the dark plotting of the religious hierarchy and that of Judas." Between the dark hatred of the religious leaders and that of Judas, shines the light of Mary's love and devotion for her Christ.