I noticed the glowing rapture in her face, and an occasional glance into that of her Lord, unmindful of the presence of all others, while He looked kindly upon her.  It was then that I discovered that “the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.”  But, alas, not so with the perfume of her deed.  “There were some that had indignation among themselves, ... and they murmured against her”:  so says Mark.  “When the disciples” saw Mary’s deed “they had indignation”:  so says Matthew.  It is true that signs of dissatisfaction came from the group of the disciples, but it is the voice of one of them that has ever since rung in my ears, to whom “the unworthy grumbling should be assigned.”  In justice to the disciples he should not be unnamed.  Mary was still in the act of her devotion to Jesus.  “But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, which should betray Him, saith, ’Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?’ This he said, not because he cared for the poor”—­not he—­“but because he was a thief and, having the bag, took away what was put therein.”  He it was who from the first showed displeasure at Mary’s act.  His words were both an exclamation and a question, a sort of soliloquy, and yet addressed to anybody who might hear and answer:  but they needed no answer.  It was too late to gather up the ointment already used, and sell it for the poor or for any other purpose.  But Judas’ purpose I well understand.  I see through his hypocrisy now more clearly than I did then.

[Illustration:  TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM Gustave Dore Page 138]

With the sharp, reproving voice of Judas, Mary glanced into his angry face.  This would have filled her with terror had she not immediately looked into that of Jesus beaming upon her.  One hand of His was over her, as if in protection and benediction, while the other waved in a reproving gesture.  As I read how He answered the question of Judas with another, “Why trouble ye her?” and then commanded, “Let her alone”; and then declared, “She hath wrought a good work upon me,” I recall the changing expressions of His face, and His tones of indignation and affection.

I was startled by the reason He gave for letting her alone,—­that she might preserve what remained of the ointment, not for the poor, but to be used for His burial, near at hand.

She it was of whom I have spoken who understood better than I or any of my fellow-apostles, that our Lord’s life was nearing its end.

I find here in the records of Matthew and Mark the assurance of the Lord concerning the unnamed woman of whom they have written.  It is this, “Verily I say unto you, ’Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.’  Let it be known that this woman was Mary of Bethany, then at Jesus’ feet.  Henceforth let her name be linked with her deed.”