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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
12
For she in pouring this ointment upon my body, hath done it for my burial.
10
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{"arr":[{"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":"Let us revisit the previous reference to the woman, whose actions remain incomprehensible to the apostles as such mysteries are concealed by God throughout the ages. For who has comprehended the mind of the Lord? (Is. 40:13; Rom. 11:34). The disciples expressed their discontent that a woman had anointed His head, questioning, \\"Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for a higher price and the proceeds given to the needy\\" (Matt. 26:8-9; cf. Mk. 14:4-5). It is challenging to identify wrongdoing in their statements until one grasps their deeper significance. Such sentiments are characteristic of a man consumed by luxury, or rather, one who has lost his true humanity. Furthermore, those who embody tranquility often carry its essence within them rather than applying it externally. Why should their words be reprimanded? Is it not feasible to sell this ointment for a greater sum and assist the impoverished? The Lord responded, \\"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me\\" (Matthew 25:40), as He willingly laid down His life for the needy.\\n\\nThis concept transcends mere metaphor, hence the Word of God questions them: \\"Why do you trouble the woman...?\\" You will always have those in need among you, but you will not always have Me (Matthew 26:10, 11). The needy are ever-present — show them kindness! Since they are always with you, do not hesitate to offer assistance, as the prophet advises, \\"Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’\\" (Proverbs 3:28). While the prophet emphasized mercy, the Lord elevated faith above mercy, which only holds value when rooted in belief. By pouring this oil on My body, she has prepared Me for burial (Matthew 26:12). Thus, the Lord valued not the oil itself, but her devotion, embraced her faith, and commended her humility.\\n\\nLikewise, if you desire mercy, increase your love, shower the body of Christ with faith in the resurrection, the oil of the Church, and the fragrance of communal love. Through excellence in these virtues, you will truly aid the poor. Financial contributions possess greater worth when not given from surplus, but shared with purpose in the name of Christ, treating the needy as if serving Him directly. Therefore, do not interpret the anointing as a mere act; rather, understand it spiritually, for the letter kills (2 Cor. 3:6), but the Spirit gives life."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What you refer to as the extravagance of the scented oil is an act of service connected to My burial. It is not surprising that she offered Me the sweet aroma of her faith at the moment I poured out My blood for her."},{"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":"He continues to provide the rationale, intending to remind them once more of His affliction: \\"She prepared,\\" He states, \\"Me for burial. And now she has prefigured the suffering by presenting the items needed for the burial.\\""},{"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":"Through this, the Lord reveals that the wife acted according to the divine will, symbolizing His death and the interment of His body, for He would not have permitted the anointing with oil if He had not intended to disclose a profound mystery. As God, He prophesied that this woman's deed would be celebrated throughout the ages. Observe, therefore, the humanity of God and the significant honor bestowed upon this woman: He orchestrates that her memory will endure wherever the gospel is proclaimed. How does the ointment signify the burial of Christ? It was a Jewish custom to anoint bodies to preserve them from decay and odor, similar to the practices of the Egyptians. Thus, the Lord asserts that this woman through her act of devotion signifies that My body shall be buried. He addresses this as a reminder to Judas, through whom He would face burial. In a metaphorical sense, consider this: the leper represents the Gentile nations; the sinful woman embodies the church of the Gentiles, which has anointed Christ with myrrh, symbolizing faith, poured upon His head or, put differently, His divinity. For anyone who believes that Christ is the Son of God consequently anoints Christ’s head with this oil. Lastly, Judas, as noted by John, who complained against this woman, serves as a representation of the Jews who continue to grumble against the church of Christ."},{"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":"\\"She has prepared Me for burial\\": In this instance, the Lord attributes a unique significance to what would typically be viewed as an expression of respect and affection. He regards it as a preparation for His entombment, reflecting the ancient practice of anointing the deceased with spices (cf. Theophilus). Whether the wife intended this meaning or not, the Lord placed immense importance on her actions."},{"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":"You may not realize that this woman acted under a divine inspiration, symbolizing my burial; by anointing my body with this fragrance, she was preparing me for my interment. 'So let no one judge her. I do not intend to condemn her as if she had committed an offense, nor do I wish to criticize her for any wrongdoing; rather, I will ensure that this act is made known to all, revealing what took place both in the house and in private. This gesture arises from sincere devotion, fervent faith, and a contrite heart’ (St. John Chrysostom)."},{"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":"This woman, in a gesture of farewell, did everything within her power: she prepared My body for the impending burial."},{"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":"Christ sadly anticipated the treacherous and greedy intentions of Judas, yet this time He only subtly rebuked him while defending Mary, who had already faced harsh criticism. \\"Why are you troubling this woman?\\" He asked. \\"Let her be; she has performed a beautiful act for Me. For you will always have the poor among you, but you do not always have Me.\\" She has preserved this precious perfume for the day of My burial."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord made it evident to those who complained that they had been premature in criticizing the devotion of the woman. Caring for the needy is commendable, yet in this instance, it was neither fitting nor timely: leave her be; why disturb her? She has performed a commendable act for me, for you will always have the poor among you, and you can do good for them whenever you like, but you do not always have me. This woman’s action, filled with a profound expression of reverent faith, zeal, and love for the Savior, carried a unique and mysterious significance. Therefore, rather than deserving criticism, it warranted universal praise. Blessed Theophylact explains that she acted “by a special act of God, foreshadowing the Lord's death and the anointing of His body for burial.” What she did was customary within Jewish tradition and needed to occur shortly after the burial of Christ. The Lord added, \\"If it is possible, that having anointed My body with this ointment, it shall be for My burial.\\" Truly I say to you, wherever this Gospel is proclaimed throughout the world, what she has done will be remembered. The woman faced unwarranted criticism from those who witnessed her act, yet so too was the promise significant, as the Lord corrected those who murmured and exalted her fervor. St. John Chrysostom notes, “Look, what Christ predicted has come to pass; wherever you journey across the globe, you will find the announcement of this woman portrayed, though she was not renowned, did not have many witnesses, and was not in a place of disgrace, but in a house, specifically the dwelling of a leper, surrounded only by the disciples of Christ.”"},{"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 the Lord traveled from Jericho to Jerusalem, He made a brief stop in Bethany. At this time, many worshippers had gathered in Jerusalem, proclaiming the arrival of the promised Messiah. The day was likely the Sabbath, which meant the people remained in Bethany since it was beyond the distance permitted for travel on that day. This was six days prior to Passover. During His stay in Bethany, the Lord dined at the home of Simon, a former leper, while Martha took on the role of hostess, preparing the meal. Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead, was also present at the dinner. The Evangelist mentions Lazarus—perhaps to highlight his full health or to indicate the remarkable honor bestowed upon this resurrected man.\\n\\nAs one of Lazarus’ sisters attended to the Lord’s needs during the meal, Mary, the other sister, may have felt compelled to express her gratitude for her brother’s return to life, especially as she had not had the chance to do so due to the urgency of Jesus’ visit. It was customary among the Jews to wash the feet of guests and to anoint them with fragrant oils; Mary wished to perform this act of honor for her Savior. Without regard for the cost, she brought forth an alabaster jar of nard, the most exquisite and valuable fragrance, and anointed Jesus’ head and feet, wiping them with her hair in a demonstration of her humility.\\n\\nThe response to her act was not unanimous. The disciples viewed it differently, believing it would have been better to sell the nard and use the proceeds to assist the poor. Their recent experience with Zacchaeus and their ongoing commitment to support those in need fueled their argument. However, one disciple, who managed their small treasury, had ulterior motives. His concern for the poor was merely a façade, as he hoped to use the money for himself. Yet the Lord defended Mary, dismissing the rationale of the others. He sought to instill in them the understanding of His impending absence, stating that the poor would always be present, but His time with them was limited. He regarded Mary’s anointing as a preparation for His burial, emphasizing that if one spares no expense for such an occasion, they should not be stingy in honoring Him now."}]}
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