Another story that takes place somewhere around Palm Sunday is one that has a complicated history.  According to the some Gospels, Jesus goes to Bethany to visit his friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  While he is there Mary offers him some traditional hospitality reserved for the most special of guests.  Travelling in desert climates puts a lot of stress on one's feet.  When a guest arrives, they are customarily offered water to wash their hands and to wash and sooth their feet.  They may also be offered some oil to ease the dryness of their feet.  Mary went a step further and bought some special oil (ointment) for Jesus' feet (after all he raised her beloved brother from the dead). 

Judas and maybe some other followers thought that she had gone too far.  The money could have been used for something else.  Jesus reminds them that the problems of the world are always around, we can deal with them any time.  The special people in our lives are here often for a short time, they should be treasured.  Mary was not only comforting and soothing his body, unknown to the complainers and Mary, she was also saying farewell to him as Good Friday was looming around the corner.

Who are the people in my life, that I might want to give some special attention?