Reflection for Monday 22 March 2021

ANOINTED WITH OIL

Reading : Psalm 23

“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

The above photograph is of a haven of hospitality I came across one day while walking the Camino. The young man on the right, decided a couple of years previously, to come and live on the Camino, and each day he provides a place of rest and refreshing for weary pilgrims.

What was interesting was that alongside fruit, crackers, fruit juices and coffee, he also offered prayer and anointing with oil to bless travellers for the onward journey.

It as for me one of the many “holy moments” that came by gift on my sojourn that year.

The oil was warm and scented and I continued to feel it on my forehead and the perfume stayed with me for a few days.

The theme for this week in Lent is oil, and we will see as we journey together how important oil was in the lives of the people we encounter in Scripture. We will see how this very ordinary substance was used by people both in everyday life and in worship.

The photo below shows a couple enjoying the hospitality and fellowship offered by the kindness of one young man, whose simple actions bring blessing to many weary travellers each day.

POINTS TO PONDER

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ANOINTED WITH OIL? WHEN, AND WHY?

CAN YOU REMEMBER A TIME WHEN GOD MINISTERED TO YOU WHEN YOU WERE TIRED AND WEARY?

PRAYER

Yea, I do not know what this day, or any day, will bring, I do know, Lord, that Thou art with me and will never leave me alone.

You see me when I get up and when I lie down. There is nowhere I can go where you are not, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

Help me to abide in the goodness and mercy you relentlessly provide.

Assure me that my journey with you will be provided for in full, and that I can place my complete trust in your love for me today and forever.

Amen.