# The Extravagance of Love explained — A Day at a Time

> Chapter companion for A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.

## What happens

This chapter defends acts of extravagant love and beauty against the criticism of practical utility, using Mary's anointing of Jesus as a key example. It argues that beauty, generosity, and devotion have intrinsic value and are justified by love itself, not by utilitarian standards.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Generosity

Explores how love expresses itself in extravagant, non-utilitarian acts, such as Mary's anointing and everyday sacrifices.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Contrasts bare duty with the overflow of love, arguing that true love goes beyond duty and is justified by its beauty.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Defends Mary's extravagant offering of ointment, vindicating the value of beauty and love over mere utility.

### Mary

Anoints Jesus with costly ointment, an act of love and devotion that Jesus praises as a memorial.

### Judas

Criticizes Mary's act as wasteful, but his protest is recorded as a negative example of valuing utility over love.

## Key lines

> Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

Why wasn't this perfume sold for a large sum and the money given to the poor?

_Judas's criticism of Mary's act, questioning the practical value of her offering._

> Wherever this Gospel is preached, this that she had done shall be told as a memorial of her.

Wherever the good news is proclaimed, her action will be remembered and honored.

_Jesus's promise that Mary's act of love would be celebrated forever._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/xxv-the-extravagance-of-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters