ACC ~ Mark 14 v3d

BAPTISMAL ANOINTING ANTICIPATED

JEROME: This woman has a very special message for you who are about to be baptized. She broke her alabaster jar that Christ may make you “christs,” his anointed. Hear what it says in the Canticle of Canticles: “Your name spoken is a spreading perfume, therefore the maidens love you. We will follow you eagerly in the fragrance of your perfume!” [1] HOMILIES OF ST. JEROME, HOMILY 84. [2]

[1] Song 1:3-4.

[2] Cetedoc 0594, 10.50; FC 57:188. The anointing of the believer with oil recalls the Lord’s own messianic anointing.

WE SHARE IN HIS ANOINTING

BEDE: We anoint our Lord’s head when we cherish the glory of his divinity, along with that of his humanity, with the worthy sweetness of faith, hope and charity, [1] [and] when we spread the praise of his name by living uprightly. We anoint our Lord’s feet when we renew his poor by a word of consolation, so that they may not lose hope when they are under duress. We wipe [the feet of] these same ones with our hair when we share some of what is superfluous to us [to alleviate] the wants of the needy. [2] EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 2.4. [3]

[1] Cf. 1 Cor 13:13.

[2] Cf. Deut 15:11; Prov 31:9; Lk 14:13; Gal 2:10.

[3] Cetedoc 1367, 2.4.118; HOG 2:37-38.

Mk