What do you give the man who has everything? Mary gave Jesus a gift sure to set him apart as the one everyone would, and should, notice. 

That fragrance, that wonderful aroma so rich and pure, drew attention to Jesus, which led to the acknowledgment that this was the man who not only opened blind eyes, but he also raised the dead.

Everyone should notice Jesus. 

Everyone should receive the gift of eternal life. 

Everyone should bear his aroma among the crowds where so many are perishing without hope. 

There is a more potent scent than death. 

There is a fragrance welcome in every precinct. 

There is a most pleasant aroma that replaces the stench of death and decay. It is the savory sweetness of our living Lord. Mary discovered it. Mary memorialized it. With her simple acknowledgment and gratitude, Mary tells us where true beauty, wonder, and awe begin. Mary extended what she came to understand to everyone who encountered Jesus.

What do you give the man who not only has everything but is Everything? 

You give acknowledgment, thanksgiving, and praise.

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I will give Jesus the attention he deserves and I require. 

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Our Father, empower us to see Jesus for who he is as clearly as Mary did. Empower us to make Jesus noticeable and knowable like Mary did. May we bear his fragrance of life everywhere we go. Amen.