Our attention is now focused on the great mystery of Christ, dying and rising. The sense of impending doom hovers over the action of Jesus. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, Christ does not cry out or shout aloud. Mary’s anointing becomes one in the context of preparation of the body for the burial after death. All things are being readied for the final hour. The chrism is prepared for blessing but the bishop this week: it will be used to sign new Christians with the cross, to seal them for Christ. This sweet-smelling oil will remind them that they are as St Paul says, to be the ‘aroma of Christ’ spreading the fragrance wherever they go.