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This is a strange story. "Anointing" is a ritual that is out of touch with most of our experiences. We are also suspicious of wasteful action, no matter what form it takes. We are practical people, and practical people have a hard time with extravagance. But this strange story is an important story. In one form or another it appears in all of the Gospels. The Gospel accounts do not agree in a number of details, yet all agree as to the "anointing," and all show indignation at the extravagant action of this woman whom John identifies as Mary. So the strange story is also a significant one.