Bernard Fell preaches on the powerful message of love and devotion exemplified by the woman who anointed Jesus with costly ointment, contrasting it with the superficial gestures made at funerals. He emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and love to the living rather than waiting until they are gone, urging the congregation to break the box of ointment now and spread its fragrance in present lives to uplift and comfort those in need.

She hath done what she could; she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. Mark 14:8 'Twas love both pure and tender, As Jesus sat at meat, Which braved the heartless critics With true devotion sweet. The precious, costly ointment She lavished on His head Was treasured for the living, While others-for the dead. No kinder words are spoken Than those around the tomb, Amassed with floral tributes Of ev'ry hue and bloom. Friends pay respect with rev'rence As eulogies are said, Expressing deep condolence In mem'ry of the dead. Unheard the words well-spoken, To sleeping ones unblest; Sweet flowers have no perfume For those who quietly rest. Kind tokens of affection Soon vanish like a dream, With all the costly beauty In realms of death unseen. O break that box of ointment, Reserved intact for time, And let its pleasant fragrance Make present lives sublime. Then gently smooth life's pillow To rest the weary head; 'Tis now they need your comfort-- The living, not the dead! Speak now that word of kindness To lift a heart oppressed! 'Tis worth more than ten thousand 'Neath shades of death expressed. Kind acts, like simple posies, Live on and never fade; More scented than the roses Upon the casket laid.