ACC ~ Mark 14 v6

BETWEEN BEAUTY AND NEED

JEROME: When the apostles [1] pleaded that the ointment was being wasted, they were rebuked by the voice of the Lord. Christ did not need the ointment, nor do martyrs need the light of candles. Yet that woman freely poured out the ointment in honor of Christ, and her heart’s devotion was accepted. … Hence throughout the whole Eastern Church, even when there are no relics of the martyrs, whenever the gospel is to be read the candles are lighted although the dawn may be reddening the sky, not of course to scatter the darkness, but by way of evidencing our joy. AGAINST VIGILANTIUS 7. [2]

[1] Cf. Mt 26:8.

[2] Cete-doc 0611, 7.361.11; NPNF 2 6:420**.