fun fact, regarding the annointing of Jesus: "perfume" is probably a poor and misleading interpretation of the original text, even though it's prevalent in modern translations. the original word in Greek was μῠ́ρον, which comes from the Hebrew word for myrrh, and is probably better translated as "salve" or "ointment." if the ointment in question was actually myrrh, then it would have been a powerful analgesic. nard is also mentioned in Mark, which has antibacterial and antinflammatory properties—exactly what you'd want for your feet after a long journey through harsh terrain while wearing sandals
calling it "perfume" obscures the fact that it wasn't just the money from its sale that could have helped the poor: the ointment itself could have been used to salve the wounds of poor people who had been living rough, which makes Jesus's response even more puzzling.
i know that's not entirely relevant to the post—but i can never pass up an opportunity to remind people that the ancient Israelites had a much more sophisticated pharmacopoeia than we credit them with.
I really resonated with the feelings of guilt and resentment mentioned in the appeals of giving. For so much of my life I really tried to live in solidarity with those on the margins, but it seemed like “performance culture” always demanded so much more. I hope the reader goes to Asia, and has an amazing time.
Yep! Life can change so fast, I hope the reader travels too, and they will probably have so much more to give (wisdom, perspective, connections, etc!) from the experience. ✈️ 💞
fun fact, regarding the annointing of Jesus: "perfume" is probably a poor and misleading interpretation of the original text, even though it's prevalent in modern translations. the original word in Greek was μῠ́ρον, which comes from the Hebrew word for myrrh, and is probably better translated as "salve" or "ointment." if the ointment in question was actually myrrh, then it would have been a powerful analgesic. nard is also mentioned in Mark, which has antibacterial and antinflammatory properties—exactly what you'd want for your feet after a long journey through harsh terrain while wearing sandals
calling it "perfume" obscures the fact that it wasn't just the money from its sale that could have helped the poor: the ointment itself could have been used to salve the wounds of poor people who had been living rough, which makes Jesus's response even more puzzling.
i know that's not entirely relevant to the post—but i can never pass up an opportunity to remind people that the ancient Israelites had a much more sophisticated pharmacopoeia than we credit them with.
I really resonated with the feelings of guilt and resentment mentioned in the appeals of giving. For so much of my life I really tried to live in solidarity with those on the margins, but it seemed like “performance culture” always demanded so much more. I hope the reader goes to Asia, and has an amazing time.
Yep! Life can change so fast, I hope the reader travels too, and they will probably have so much more to give (wisdom, perspective, connections, etc!) from the experience. ✈️ 💞