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Explanation for:
Matthew
26
:
13
Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done, shall be told for a memory of her.
11
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{"arr":[{"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":"It is not merely this woman who is proclaimed across the globe, but the Church, for she brought forth the Lord for burial and anointed His head. Consider the foresight present—though He was to endure suffering and death two days hence, He is aware of the eventual triumph of His gospel throughout the nations."},{"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":"Observe how Christ predicts to His disciples their mission to the nations, providing them comfort in the face of death by indicating that following His crucifixion, a remarkable power will be revealed that will cause the message to resonate far and wide. Who, then, would be so unfortunate as to refute such a clear truth? Look around and see that what Christ foretold has been realized; wherever you venture in the world, the story of this woman is made known, despite her obscurity, lack of numerous witnesses, and the fact that her act occurred within the confines of a house belonging to a leper, witnessed solely by Christ's disciples. Who made her actions known? It is the power of Him who prophesied it. The deeds of numerous kings and military leaders, whose monuments still stand, go unheard; those who established cities, constructed walls, achieved victories in battle, and commemorated conquests through statues and laws remain unknown in the annals of speech and name. Yet the act of the sinful woman pouring oil in the leper's house before ten husbands is celebrated throughout the world. Despite the passage of time, this memory endures; the Persians, Indians, Scythians, Thracians, Sarmatians, Moors, and the people of the British Isles narrate what the sinful woman did in Judah—quietly, within a household. Moreover, when He stated, ‘She prepared Me for burial,’ indicating that He refers to the grave and death without belittling her, He reassures her by proclaiming, ‘It shall be said throughout the world… what she has done.’ This serves as both an encouragement for the disciples and an acknowledgment and honor for the woman. He declares that all will praise her in time, for she has foreshadowed His suffering by providing what was necessary for burial. Therefore, let no one judge her. Far from condemning her as if she had committed an offense, I would not even permit this act to fade into obscurity; I will ensure that the world is informed of what occurred in that house, in private, since her actions arose from a spirit of reverence, heartfelt faith, and genuine sorrow. Why, then, did Christ assure her of remembrance rather than spiritual gifts? To inspire her hope for receiving spiritual rewards. If she performed a virtuous deed, it is only fitting that she should receive a commendable reward."},{"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":"When viewed in this light, it becomes clear that this woman will genuinely be acknowledged and referred to as blessed wherever the Gospel is shared (Matt. 26:13), and her remembrance will endure forever. This is because she anointed Christ’s head with a precious fragrance of virtuous actions and righteous living. One who approaches the head cannot elevate themselves while foolishly mocking with a worldly mindset and failing to grasp the head (Col. 2:18-19). Those who are unable to grasp hold of Christ’s head should at least cling to His feet, for the entire body, unified and closely connected, thrives through the grace of God (Col. 2:19)."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The story serves as both a source of comfort and a reason for praise for the woman, and it also brings encouragement to the disciples. The woman finds solace in knowing that her actions will be proclaimed throughout all of creation, while the disciples gain strength from the fact that their message will reach every corner of the universe. This gospel refers to My mission, the account of who I am. Truly, everyone who is aware of Jesus Christ is also familiar with her actions, for alongside the gospel, her story has been shared widely. But what did Jesus Christ promise to this woman? Not anything spiritual, but rather a lasting remembrance. This was intended to inspire in her the hope of receiving something greater as well. If her actions are recognized as virtuous, it stands to reason she will be rewarded accordingly. This woman, once a sinner, symbolizes the Church; the world represents the faith she expressed in Jesus Christ.\\n\\nBy reminding His disciples of the impending nature of His crucifixion, Jesus confronted Judas, who had not concealed his deceitful intentions, thereby affording him an opportunity for repentance. Earlier, Judas had criticized Lazarus's sister, exclaiming, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” John noted that Judas was not truly concerned for the poor, but was rather like a thief; he was the keeper of the money bag and was inclined to take what was inside (John 12:5, 6). The money bag was used for collecting donations for the needy. As its steward, he desired for the funds to remain within the bag so that he could pilfer it. Driven by his greed, he justified his actions at the time. However, upon witnessing the same opportunity slip away once more, he grew furious. According to Luke (Luke 22:3), at that moment, Satan entered him, compelling him to commit further malice."},{"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 indicates that the mentioned woman acted under God’s sovereign purpose to symbolize His death and the interment of His physical form. The Lord would not have permitted Himself to be anointed with oil unless He intended to unveil a deeper truth. As the Divine, He predicted that the act of the woman would receive acknowledgment across all nations. Observe, therefore, the humanity of God—what a remarkable blessing is bestowed upon this woman: He orchestrates that her legacy shall endure as long as the gospel is shared. But how does the anointing foreshadow the burial of Christ? It was customary among the Jews to anoint bodies with fragrant oils during burial, similar to the practices of the Egyptians, to ensure the bodies would be preserved, free from decay and unpleasant odor. Thus, He implies, through the offering of peace, that His body is to be laid in the grave. The Lord speaks of this while addressing Judas, who played a role in the burial. In a metaphorical sense, consider this: the leper represents the Gentile nations; the sinful woman embodies the church among the Gentiles, having anointed Christ with myrrh, symbolizing faith, upon His head, or more precisely, upon His Divinity. For anyone who believes that Christ is the Son of God bestows this anointing upon Him. Ultimately, Judas, who, as recorded in John 12:4-5, grumbled against her act, reflects the Jews who continue to criticize the church of Christ today."},{"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":"\\"Wherever this message is proclaimed,\\" as noted in Matthew 24:14. \\"It shall be communicated in her honor\\": the commendation for the wife’s virtuous act. Why did Christ not promise the wife spiritual gifts, but instead an eternal remembrance of her actions? This serves to instill in her the hope of receiving spiritual blessings. If she has performed a righteous deed, it is clear that she will be granted an appropriate reward."},{"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":"\\"‘Look,’ states St. Chrysostom, ‘what Christ predicted has indeed come to pass. No matter where you are in the world, you will find that this woman’s story is heralded, despite her anonymity, lack of witnesses, and her humble setting in the house of a leper, attended only by the Lord’s disciples. Who was it that publicized and proclaimed her act? It was the might of Him who foretold it. The achievements of numerous monarchs and generals, whose memorials endure, lie uncelebrated; those who established cities, constructed fortifications, secured triumphs, subdued nations, erected statues, and instituted laws have faded from public memory. Yet the event of the sinful woman anointing Jesus with oil in a leper's home, in the presence of twelve men, is sung throughout the world. So many years have passed, and the memory of her deed remains alive; the Persians, Indians, Scythians, Thracians, Sarmatians, generations of Moors, and the people of the British Isles recount what this woman did in secrecy in Judea.’ The words of the Lord regarding His imminent death must have deeply affected the hearts of the apostles. They had just heard Him say that He would be betrayed and crucified ‘in two days’; now they learned that the woman had already anointed Him for burial. Was His death really that near? It must have pained the devoted woman to think that she had honored the Lord in serving Him as His anointer when He remarked, ‘she prepared Me for burial.’ St. Chrysostom notes, ‘To prevent confusion for the woman regarding the subject of burial and death, see how He reassures her by stating, ‘in the whole world it will be said… what she has done.’ This served as both encouragement for the disciples and as comfort and commendation for the woman. All would eventually extol her, for she had foreshadowed the Passion through her act of preparation for burial. Why does Christ promise her not only spiritual blessings, but also everlasting remembrance? To instill in her hope for spiritual rewards. If she has performed a good deed, she will surely receive a commendable reward. Addressing the Lord's words asking, ‘Why do you trouble the woman?’ St. Chrysostom explains, ‘If you see someone making sacred offerings or caring for the church's adornments, do not allow these efforts to be sold or discarded, lest his enthusiasm be diminished.’ Likewise, Blessed Theophylact conveys the same sentiment of Christ: ‘When someone presents a gift to God, do not refuse, stifle their fervor, or direct them to give it to the poor instead; allow them to make their offering. If someone seeks your counsel on whether to donate to the needy or present to God, guide them to assist the poor. However, once they have brought their gift, discouraging them with demands is fruitless; such acts must be honored. Moreover, honoring God directly takes precedence over all virtues, including almsgiving. And if Christ, on account of humanity, associates His acts of mercy with Himself, don’t assume that devotion to God resides only in charitable giving. This is unacceptable. Serving Christ and showing kindness to the needy are distinct, although Christ attributes to Himself what is done for the impoverished, whether good or bad.’ Let us conclude our reflection on the Supper at Bethany with St. Chrysostom’s prayerful words: ‘And just as Thou didst not hesitate to enter and light candles among the sinners in Simon the leper's house, so You have also entered the abode of my humble soul, a leper and sinner. And as You did not cast away one like the sinful woman who touched You, have mercy on me, a sinner, who approaches and touches You. And as You were not repulsed by her soiled, unclean lips kissing You, cleanse my own filthy lips, my vile and unclean tongue’... ‘More than a harlot, O Blessed One, I bring no tears of clouds to Thee; but with silent prayer, I prostrate myself before Thee, beseeching Thee to forgive my transgressions, O Lord, I cry out to Thee, O Savior, purify me, a sinner!'...\\""},{"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":"Her noble act will be remembered throughout the earth; wherever My message is proclaimed, people will speak of her. Indeed, Mary Magdalene's name resonates across the globe; in every place where the Gospel is shared, which is done in 409 languages, her story is recounted, illustrating the heights of holiness and the transformation a repentant sinner can achieve when they earnestly resolve to sin no more."},{"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":"He further included the prophecy, which has been remarkably realized even to this day, that wherever the good news is proclaimed, her deeds would be celebrated with esteem."},{"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 communicated clearly to those who had complained, stating that “they had been untimely in restraining the diligence of the wife.” While it is commendable to assist the needy, in this instance, it was neither fitting nor timely: let her be; why trouble your wife? You have acted kindly towards me, for you will always have the poor among you, and whenever you wish, you can do good for them, but you do not always have me. The woman’s act, marked by profound faith, fervor, and love for the Lord, carried a unique and mysterious significance, making it not only deserving of admiration but also of universal acclaim. As Blessed Theophylact notes, she accomplished this “through a special act of God, symbolizing the Lord's death and the burial of His body.” She performed what, according to Jewish customs, was to be done shortly after the burial of Jesus Christ. The Lord added that if it were possible, having anointed His body with this ointment, it was indeed preparing Him for burial. “Amen, I say unto you, wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told in her memory.” The woman experienced great embarrassment, facing unjust criticism from those witnessing her deed, yet the Lord’s promise, which addressed those who grumbled, also acknowledged her devotion. St. John Chrysostom observes, “See how what Christ foretold has come to pass, and wherever you travel in the world, you will hear of this woman—though she is not renowned, was not surrounded by many witnesses, was not in a position of disgrace, but within the house of a leper, only in the company of Christ's disciples.”"},{"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 journeyed from Jericho to Jerusalem, He passed near Bethany. Here, He stopped, as crowds of worshippers had gathered in Jerusalem, declaring that the promised Messiah was among them. It was likely the Sabbath, which meant the people were not to travel far, since Bethany exceeded the Sabbath distance from Jerusalem. This event occurred six days prior to the Passover. In Bethany, He dined at Simon's house, who had previously been a leper. Martha, following local customs, attended to the meal's preparations. Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, was also present at the gathering. The Evangelist may have highlighted his presence to affirm his complete recovery or to emphasize the regard held for one who had returned from the grave. \\n\\nWhile one of Lazarus' sisters was serving the Lord during the meal, the other sister, Mary, may have felt a longing to express her gratitude for her brother's restoration to life, perhaps having missed the chance to do so earlier due to Jesus’ swift departure from Bethany. It was customary for Jews to wash the feet of their guests and to anoint them with fragrant oils before the meal; Mary desired to honor her Savior in this fashion. Without concern for the expense, she brought forth a precious vessel of nard. Pouring it on Jesus’ head and feet, she wiped them with her hair, signifying her humility before Him. \\n\\nResponses to her actions varied. The disciples believed it would have been more prudent to sell the nard and give the money to the poor, influenced by their recent experiences with Zacchaeus and their continuous efforts to assist those in need. Yet one disciple harbored different intentions. Although he was responsible for the group's modest treasury, he sought to leverage the sale of the nard for personal gain under the guise of caring for the less fortunate. \\n\\nIn contrast, the Lord defended Mary, dismissing the seemingly valid concern of the others, and sought to prepare them for His impending departure. He noted that while the poor would always be present, He would not always be among them, and regarded Mary's act as a sacred preparation for His burial. He emphasized that no expense should be spared for His burial, urging them not to be overly frugal in their devotion to Him."}]}
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