Extravagance is an invitation. We are invited to consider how we hold back. Are we holding back in any part of our lives; in the ways we show up in life?

Consider extravagance in our daily life and work. In a world of busyness and unceasing demands, we might think that sturdier boundaries are what is needed. Extravagance seems unrealistic. What makes more sense is cutting back, saying “no” to a few things. Certainly, being extravagant with our time and energy seems counterintuitive.

Perhaps extravagance in daily life and work is not about time and energy. Perhaps it is about showing up whole heartedly. Perhaps it is about embodying peace in frantic places. Perhaps it is slowing down internally even as the world zooms by. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5.9) Extravagance is overfilling those around us with a peace that is outside of one’s understanding but which brings the blur into focus; which slows the world down just a bit, where everything seems possible.

Or, we can consider extravagance in our relationships. Far too often in our attempts to keep up with this fast-paced life we sacrifice moments with those closest to us; with those whom we love the most. Our unintended neglect is easily understood. Busyness reigns this world, it seems. It is easy to say, “just this once” and “I will be free next time, I promise.”

What if there is no next time?

Life can change in an instant. Our lives can, without warning, feel the crashing waves of tragedy and loss. We can, in one moment, have all our plans perfectly outlined and, in the next, find those plans obsolete and unusable. Mary’s extravagant act of pouring ointment on the feet of Jesus is a reminder to us of this reality. Soon, very soon, Jesus himself will be lifted upon the cross and Mary’s whole life will change. She knows this – she has already lost her brother, Lazarus, once. She knows the uncertainty and frailty of life. She loves Jesus without hesitation. She pours the whole container of oil on Jesus’ feet as an outward symbol of her own love lavishly poured upon Jesus. She knows better than anyone at table the shortness of life and the need to be extravagant with those whom she loves while she can.

As we move through this Monday in Holy Week consider extravagance. Accept the invitation to extravagance. Allow extravagance to fill your heart, mind and body. Put aside the temptation to hold back parts of our lives from the world around us. Give your love away extravagantly RIGHT NOW. Do not take tomorrow for granted.

Be extravagant today. Pour yourself out as a loving, healing oil of joy and love wherever you find yourself. Share your love extravagantly with all whom you love.

Soon, very soon, the days are coming when moments for extravagant tenderness will give way to grief. Soon, very soon, extravagance will enter the tomb of desolation with Jesus until the new day arrives.