"Jesus’s time is coming to a close, this woman wants only to express her devotion and humility. The title, “Extravagant Love,” comes from the Orthodox commentary on this event. All four accounts cited above spotlight the expensive ointment or perfume used to wash the Lord’s feet. The witnessing disciples complain about the wasteful gesture of devotion, saying the money could have been better spent on the poor. There are thousands of ways to waste money, but love is never wasted. Acts of kindness are often expressed with grandiose gestures using expensive means, the consequences can be surprising and at times incredible. This one stolen moment is important because it characterizes devotion, courage, dedication, and perfected pride that is needed to bust in on a situation with inexhaustible love. I empathize with this woman. I have been painting icons for years, fearlessly seizing the opportunity to come close and touch that which I desire; Christ’s essence in all his glory and revelation."

Narrative Icon Collection

The collection of 12 narrated biblical event and feast days are taken from my book Life in Christ 2021, Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man.

Mary Jane Miller is a self-taught Byzantine style iconographer with over 28 years of experience, born in New York and living in Mexico full time. Her collections of sacred art are contemporary, with a proficient command of egg tempera. The work is extraordinarily rich in style and has been exhibited in museums and churches in both the United States and Mexico. As an author, Miller blends historical content and personal insights to arrive at contemporary conclusions about faith. Her six self-published books include Icon Painting Revealed, Mary in iconography, In Light of Women, and Life in Christ and The Stations. Miller has been published online and in publications such as Divine Temple, Russian Orthodox Journal, Faith and Forum Magazine, Liturgy Today and Profiles of Catholicism. She teaches 4 courses annually, 5-day immersion workshops throughout the US and Mexico. Website: https://www.millericons.com/, https://sanmiguelicons.com/