Wednesday, 31st March 2021, 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Online: Zoom connection details below.
by Julia Stankova
The Anointing at Bethany Ceremony originated in the mixed monastic community of Communaute de L’Agneau in France. It was adapted for non-monastic use by the modern-day mystic Cynthia Bourgeault, Episcopal Priest, internationally known retreat leader, core faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) and author of several books including "The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity". In April 2019 she laid out the thinking behind the ceremony starting with the observation that the title 'Christ' means 'The Anointed One'. You can read the full text on her blog here.
In this non-denominational liturgy we recall - and ourselves participate in - the anointing of Jesus by Mary Magdalene to prepare him for his passion journey ahead. Mary Magdalene then remains at the cross with Jesus as he is crucified and is the first person to whom he appears in the garden after his resurrection. Her act of anointing was one of great love and also sorrow, an act that was significant because it acknowledged and conferred the divine purpose in the self-sacrifice for which Jesus was then to offer himself.
The liturgy includes readings from John’s Gospel, Song of Songs, T S Eliot and others. Please have some oil by you as we will all anoint ourselves, and also a candle. You may like to have a rose or other flower to recall the readings from Song of Songs and the fragrance that filled the house after Mary Magdalene had anointed Jesus.
The Order of Service for the Anointing Liturgy is here.
If you have any queries please contact Jill Benet.
Zoom Connection Details
Meeting ID: 643 155 9892
Passcode: PRAYER