There are differing stories about the woman who anointed Jesus before his death. Each of the gospels records her giving an extravagant offering. I think of this woman, and the women who gathered at Jesus’ tomb, and all the people whose names we don’t know who have given compassionate care for human bodies, in birthing and dying, in youth and in age, in sickness and in health. In doing what has often been disparaged as “women’s work,” each of them was caring for the body of Jesus as well.  Let us remember them.

We remember hands that tend,
welcome touch to clasp and calm,
fingers warm and skilled to mend,
soothing blessing, healing balm.

We remember sweet relief,
silent moments that sustain,
words of humor, tears of grief,
each a way to share the pain.

We remember souls who stay,
steady even to the grave,
tender mercy, day by day,
ever ready, true, and brave.

We remember holy care
holding bodies strong, secure,
gentle service, fervent prayer;
breath will fade; let love endure.

Text by Hannah C. Brown (c) GIA Publications, Inc. 2023. 

This text can be used with the tune THE CALL (Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life). 

You can reproduce this text for worship using One License.