Police investigators know that sometimes there is such a thing as too many witnesses. If a dozen different people witness an incident, chances are there are going to be a dozen different versions of just what happened. Some basic tenants might remain constant. But the details, discerned by a dozen separate pairs of eyes, will be perceived differently.

This week’s gospel text tells of Jesus being anointed. It is a scene that is described in all four gospels, yet each rendition has a separate set of details. Matthew and Mark’s versions (Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13) have the most in common. John’s description is very similar. Luke’s description (Luke 7:36-50) has more differences, yet shares details with John, such as the wiping off of Jesus’ feet with the woman’s hair. While it may be imp…