In the year 2000, Joy Perfume was declared the “Scent of the Century” by the Fragrance Foundation Fifi Award event in Paris. Joy Perfume had been introduced in 1926, and for some time was known as the world’s costliest perfume. By many, it is still regarded as the best perfume in the world.

One day I was showing a friend some of the plants in our garden, and I said proudly, “This is the “Joy” flower whose fragrance is that of the perfume.”

“And why would you want that? What difference does that make?” asked my friend. I couldn’t think of an answer. “Of course, I said, “It doesn’t matter at all.” I didn’t dare to admit that a small bottle of Joy Perfume resides on my dresser.

Truly , the most famous perfume in the world was introduced more than two thousand years ago. It was made of pure “nard”, a root that had been used by the ancient Egyptians before it was ever poured over the feet of Jesus of Nazareth: “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured is on Jesus ‘ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But Judas Iscariot objected, ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and given to the poor? It is worth a year’s wages.’. . .

“Leave her alone”, Jesus replied. . “It was intended that she should save this perfume for my burial.” (John 12:3-8).

Lent is a time for deep thinking, and the Bible presents lots of food for such thinking. When Mary’s love for Jesus overflowed in her extravagant gesture, Jesus saw in her more than a dutiful young woman, but a loving spirit with an unutterable appreciation for all that Jesus had meant to her and her family. Jesus recognized his own Father’s Spirit at work in Mary, and it outstripped every other consideration, even the ongoing care for the poor.

Nard is a powerful, lasting perfume. It is possible that its fragrance could have been been still detected one week later when Jesus endured the Cross. My friend’s words made me think more deeply about the “perfume flower”, and about my real source of Joy.

Love in Him,

Prue