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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
9
For this might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Whence arose this sentiment among the disciples? They remembered the Teacher’s declaration: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ (Hos. 6:6), and criticized the Jews for neglecting the essentials—‘judgment, mercy, and faith’ (cf. Mt. 23:23). On the mountain, He conversed with them about acts of charity, which prompted them to reason among themselves: if He forbids burnt offerings and rituals of old, surely He would be even less inclined to accept anointing with oil. However, Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of the woman, welcomed her approach. In response to her profound reverence and deep passion, He graciously permitted her to anoint His head with oil. If He embraced the human condition by being born and nurtured, why should it astonish us that He accepted this act of devotion? Just as His Father received the offerings of smoke, so too did He accept the sinful woman, recognizing the sincerity of her heart. Oil was used by Jacob to anoint the pillar in worship to God (Genesis 28:18); it was included in the sacrificial offerings (Leviticus 2:4); and the priests were consecrated with oil (Leviticus 8:10)."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord assured them that they would have ample opportunity to assist the needy. Furthermore, it is solely through His will that salvation can be offered to the Gentiles who were united with Him in the world, as signified by the offering of this woman, for new life is only attainable for those who have shared in His death through baptism."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"But let us return to the previously mentioned woman, whose purpose remains unclear to the apostles because it is concealed within God's eternal plan; for who has comprehended the counsel of the Lord? (Is. 40:13; Rom. 11:34). The disciples expressed discontent over the woman anointing His head, questioning, \\"Why such waste? This ointment could have been sold for a higher price and given to the needy\\" (Matt. 26:8-9; cf. Mk. 14:4-5). It is challenging to identify anything objectionable in their remarks until one grasps their deeper meaning. Such sentiments often arise from individuals who indulge in excess, or, rather, from those who fail to embody true manhood. Furthermore, those who exude the fragrance of tranquility typically wear it rather than having it poured upon them. What makes their words liable to criticism? Would it truly be more beneficial to sell this ointment for a greater sum and assist the poor? The Lord initially stated: “What you did to one of these little ones, you did to me” (Matthew 25:40), and He Himself willingly gave His life for the impoverished.\\n\\nThis is not a mere metaphor; the Word of God responds: \\"Why do you trouble the woman...? The poor you will always have with you, but you do not always have Me\\" (Matthew 26:10, 11). The needy are always among you—show them kindness! Since they are perpetually present, you should not hesitate to offer aid, and the prophet cautions, \\"Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go and come back, tomorrow I will give it,’” (Proverbs 3:28). While the prophet emphasized mercy, the Lord placed faith above mercy, which holds value only when it is built upon faith. By anointing My body, she has prepared Me for burial (Matthew 26:12). Thus, the Lord cherished not the ointment itself but her love, embraced her faith, and commended her humility.\\n\\nAnd if you desire mercy, increase your love; infuse the body of Christ with faith in the resurrection, which is the anointing of the Church, the essence of mutual love. It is through excelled love and spirit that you can truly assist the poor. Money is most beneficial when it is not merely given from excess, but shared intentionally for good in the name of Christ, treating the poor as if you were serving Him directly. Therefore, do not interpret the anointing of the head with myrrh literally—since the letter brings death (2 Cor. 3:6)—but understand it in a spiritual sense, for the Spirit brings life."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The other details regarding the anointing with the precious oil should be accepted without doubt. When the two Gospel writers mention the displeasure of all the disciples, and John refers solely to Judas, it suggests that \\"disciples\\" may have included Judas in the wider context. This can be likened to the instance when Philip’s inquiry during the feeding of the five thousand was presented in the plural form. Furthermore, it is possible that the rest of the disciples also expressed their displeasure, either through their own comments or in agreement with Judas. This collective sentiment is what Matthew and Mark portrayed. However, while the disciples were concerned for the needy, Judas, being a thief, stands out in John's account as his greed becomes particularly evident."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"After receiving significant teachings from the Lord regarding charitable acts and valuing those lessons, the disciples started to admonish the woman, thinking that God cared more for people than for His own glory."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To assist the less fortunate: the disciples believed it would be more appropriate to aid those in need rather than to spend funds on what they perceived as an indulgence, particularly since their Master had a low regard for extravagance and greatly valued acts of charity and mercy. However, in this instance, they were mistaken."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord offered no words to the woman; however, His silence conveyed that He accepted her sincere devotion, and no greater affirmation was necessary for a grateful spirit. While everyone celebrated, this collective joy was abruptly overshadowed by discontent: when the disciples witnessed this, they became angered. It can be assumed that, similar to four days prior in Lazarus's home when Mary anointed the Lord, it was Judas Iscariot who first voiced his dissatisfaction with the woman's actions, sharing his thoughts aloud with the disciples closer to him. They began to express their opinions openly, exclaiming: WHY SUCH A WASTE? For this could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. St. Chrysostom questions where such thoughts originated among the disciples. How could they align themselves with the views of the money-minded Judas? They recalled the Teacher's words: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ (Mt. 9:13), and criticized the Jews for neglecting the weightier matters of judgement, mercy, and faith. From this, they reasoned with each other: if He rejects burnt offerings and the ancient rites, He surely would not accept this anointing with precious oil. This was the mindset of the disciples. Unfamiliar with the woman’s intentions, they unjustly reproached her, focusing on the expenditure of the myrrh. However, in doing so, they failed to honor her generous act and, even more importantly, the Lord Himself. Their comments did not stem from malice or wickedness but rather from simplicity, a habit of expressing their thoughts openly in front of the Master, a commendable yet poorly timed concern for the poor, and most significantly, the influence of Judas, whose boldness could easily sway others with his brash judgments. The disciples believed they were expressing their reasoning in line with their Master’s spirit. Meanwhile, Iscariot harbored vastly different thoughts and emotions. ‘Judas’s selfishness was a chronic affliction of his soul, permeating all his thoughts and desires,’ as noted by Innocent, Archbishop of Kherson. \\n\\nNow, let us consider the emotions of the woman who anointed the Lord in light of the disciples' views on her heartfelt devotion and limitless love for Him. ‘If the afflicted woman,’ remarks St. Chrysostom, “whose ailment was a natural condition, approached with fear and trepidation, how much more fear and shame must this woman have felt because of the purity of her conscience,\\" which was thereafter cleansed by Christ’s grace. Yet, there she was at the feet of the Savior, gazing up at Him with tearful eyes, seeking refuge from His humanity against the harshness of Divine justice. Even if her lips remained silent, her heart pleaded: ‘I am rich in fragrances, yet poor in virtues, and I offer to You what I possess: grant to me what is Yours. I present my corruptible myrrh alongside Your immortal essence, poured out upon the unworthy; please forgive me and sustain me. Resolve my debts as I have done, love those who love, justly oppose those who oppose, and among the tax collectors, we will proclaim Your goodness, O Generous and Loving One!’"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The woman approached Jesus and swiftly broke the delicate neck of the alabaster flask, pouring the valuable ointment over His head. The scent filled the entire room, prompting some of those present to express their discontent. According to Matthew, Jesus' disciples murmured among themselves: ‘Why such a reckless waste? What value does this hold for Jesus, who was unfamiliar with earthly comforts, who lived in humility, and had no fixed dwelling? This precious myrrh could have been sold for over three hundred denarii! Would it not have been wiser to use this money to aid the poor?’"},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"This act was a demonstration of profound love, marked by remarkable self-sacrifice. The humble Galileans who followed Jesus, not familiar with luxuries, were astounded by the value of such a gift, feeling sorrow that it was squandered in an instant. Yet among them, the noble deed of Mary stirred feelings of irritation and malice in Judas Iscariot. His lowly nature, which was unable to be elevated by the gracious companionship of Christ, had already begun to show itself clearly. Disillusioned by the expectations he held from being part of Christ's circle, he began to take from the communal funds to satisfy his greed. Witnessing Mary's lavish offering, which, if sold, could have garnered a substantial amount for their apostolic needs, filled his heart with anger and resentment. His soul was already under the influence of the evil one. Consumed by greed, he cynically questioned with a guise of concern, \\"Why this waste? Why not sell this ointment for three hundred denarii and give it to the destitute?\\""},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At the earlier gathering at Lazarus' home, Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet stirred criticism from Judas, who was driven by his personal interests (John 12:4-6). On this occasion, the objections came from individuals who were not blinded by selfish motives like the traitor. However, despite the similarity in response, the distinction between this and Judas's remarks is notable. While Judas’s words seemed respectful, they were tainted by hypocrisy, deception, and insincerity visible to someone with insight. In contrast, the disciples conveyed their genuine confusion, as they “did not know,” as St. John Chrysostom notes, “the intentions of the woman,” making it difficult for them to fully understand the significance of her actions. They recalled the teachings of the Master: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matt. 12:7; Hos. 6:6), and remembered how He admonished the Jews for neglecting the most vital matters—justice, mercy, and faith (Matt. 23:23). They also remembered His discussions on charity (Matt. 6:1-4) and, from this context, constructed their reasoning, concluding that if He repudiated burnt offerings and the ancient traditions, He would surely disapprove of the anointing with oil (St. John Chrysostom). Among those witnessing the woman’s act, some expressed strong disapproval towards what they deemed an excessive waste. This feeling soon escalated to open dissent, as the disciples began to question among themselves and approach the Lord: “Why has this waste occurred? This myrrh could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.\\""},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As He journeyed from Jericho to Jerusalem, the Lord passed by Bethany, where He chose to stop momentarily. During this time, a multitude of worshippers had gathered in Jerusalem, proclaiming the arrival of the promised Messiah. Likely, it was the Sabbath day, leading the people to remain in quietness as Bethany was beyond the distance permitted for travel on this holy day. It was also six days before the Passover celebration. In Bethany, the Lord dined at the home of Simon, previously a leper, with Martha managing the meal preparations as was customary. Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, was present at the table. The Evangelist mentions him possibly to signify his restored health or to highlight the esteem held for this guest from beyond the grave. \\n\\nWhile one of Lazarus’ sisters tended to the service of the meal, Mary, perhaps feeling rushed and unable to express her gratitude for her brother’s resurrection earlier, sought to make amends for her earlier silence. It was customary for Jews to wash the feet of their guests and anoint them with fragrant oils prior to the meal, and Mary desired to honor her Lord in this manner. Without considering the cost, she brought forth a vial of pure nard, the highest quality of perfume, and poured it upon the Lord’s head and feet, wiping them with her hair as a sign of her profound humility. Reactions to this act varied; the disciples felt that the perfume should have been sold to assist the poor, motivated by their recent experiences with Zacchaeus and their ongoing commitment to charity. However, one disciple held a different view. This individual, who was responsible for the communal funds, saw an opportunity to benefit himself from the sale under the guise of concern for the needy. Yet the Lord defended Mary, countering the other disciples' reasonable suggestion. He aimed to instill in them an awareness of His impending departure, stating that the poor would always be with them, but He would not. He regarded Mary’s anointing as a sacred act in preparation for His burial, emphasizing that if no expense should be spared for burials, then they ought not to be so calculating at this moment in honoring Him."}]}
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