Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6, 2025

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

“Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary?” A sermon based on Philippians 3:4b-14; and John 12:1-8 delivered on April 6, 2025 by Rev. Alison Andrea Young at the First Congregational UCC of Onekama, Michigan.
(Our Theme throughout Lent will be the Lord’s Prayer. Today we explore the words: “On earth as it is in heaven . . .”)

One thing I used to say is: if I use an allusion to a nursery rhyme, a fable or a fairy tale in a sermon and no one in the congregation gets it . . .I should probably retire—Again. Hopefully, “Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does our garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and little maids all in a row” still strikes a note of recognition? (wait for it!)
So, when I point to this Mary who “took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.,” (v. 3) you will understand how contrary that would have been in that time and place. And add to that, that she was a woman intimately touching a man in public! Contrary, indeed! . . .

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© Copyright 2025 by the Rev. Alison Andrea Young

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