ACC ~ Matthew 26 v8 - 11

WHY THIS WASTE?

JEROME: I know that some people criticize this passage because one Evangelist said only Judas became indignant since he kept the money purse and was a thief from the beginning, [1] whereas Matthew wrote that all the apostles were indignant. Some may be unaware of the figure of speech called syllepsis, customarily termed “all for one and one for all.” The case is somewhat similar with Paul the apostle, who wrote in his epistle to the Hebrews (though many Latins have doubts about this), [2] describing the sufferings and merits of the heroes of faith, inferring: “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword.” [3] The Jews assert that only one person, Isaiah the prophet, was tortured. We may also point out that the apostles were indignant for the sake of the poor but Judas for the sake of his own gain. Hence his grumbling was also mixed with his misdeeds, because he had no concern for the poor but only wanted to be able to steal. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.26.9. [4]

[1] Jn 12:6.

[2] In antiquity various doubts were expressed regarding the attribution to Paul of the epistle to the Hebrews. While in the East these doubts did not impede the acceptance of the letter into the New Testament canon, in the West this acceptance came later, toward the beginning of the fifth century.

[3] Heb 11:37.

[4] CCL 77:246-47.

A BEAUTIFUL THING

CHRYSOSTOM: And why was it Jesus did not merely say, “She has done a good work,” but before this he said, “Why do you trouble the woman?” He does not want to require too much of the woman. He takes into account her person. He said this that they might not mar her budding faith but rather cherish it. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 80.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:726; NPNF 1 10:481.

YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE POOR

HILARY OF POITIERS: The Lord told them they would have much time to look after the poor. Further, it is only at his command that salvation can be given to the Gentiles buried with him in the outpouring of ointment by this woman, for rebirth is given only to those who have died with him in the profession of baptism. [1] ON MATTHEW 29.2. [2]

[1] Rom 6:4; Col 2:12.

[2] SC 258:220.

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