ACC ~ Matthew 27 v55 - 56

MANY WOMEN WERE THERE

CHRYSOSTOM: Certain women were notably present as these things occurred. They were most inclined to feel for him, to grieve over his sufferings. Note how great is their constancy. They had followed him, ministering to him wherever he went. They were present even to the time of the dangers. They had seen all these events—how he wept, how he yielded up his spirit, how the rocks were split, and all the rest.

These women were first to be attentive to Jesus at his death and burial. The sex most likely to be disparaged was first to enjoy the sight of his resurrected blessings. They most steadily showed their courage. Even when the disciples had fled in the darkness, these women were still present. Among these women was his mother. She is called Mary the mother of James. [1] They lamented over the things that had occurred. They beat their breasts. Meanwhile the religious leaders were glorying in those very things for which the others were grieving, neither moved by pity nor checked by fear. Indeed, the things that had been done showed their great wrath. These women were there all along, to behold the darkness over the land, the split rocks, the veil of the temple torn, the shaking of the earth. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 88.2. [2]

[1] Chrysostom wrongly identifies Mary mother of James and Joseph (Mt 27:56) with the mother of Jesus.

[2] PG 58:777-78; NPNF 1 10:522.

THE WOMEN HAD MINISTERED TO HIM

JEROME: Women attended to the food and clothing for their masters from their own possessions. This was according to Jewish custom. This practice did not proceed from Gentile law and even could have been a scandal among the Gentiles. Paul himself mentions that he was unable to continue this custom: “Can it really be said that we do not have the ability to lead the sisters around the women just as the other apostles also do?” [1] These women waited on the Lord out of their own resources. He reaped from their physical support as they benefited from his spiritual blessing. It was not because the Lord of all creatures was out of necessity looking for food but rather that he might present a model of teaching and discipleship for them. Note carefully, though, what sort of attendants he had: Mary Magdalene from whom he cast out seven demons. Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and her own aunt, the sister of Mary, the mother of the Lord. The mother of Zebedee’s sons, a woman who had sought to care for her children in the kingdom. And there were other women present. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.27.55. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 9:5.

[2] CCL 77:277.

WOMEN BEATIFIED

ORIGEN: Isaiah is said to have prophesied concerning these women when he wrote, “Women are coming to the spectacle, for this is not a wise people.” [1] He calls women who had been distant and were looking upon Jesus from afar. He calls them to the Word, that they might abandon a foolish, forsaken people and come to the new covenant. I consider these women blessed who were elevated to beatitude by their vision of the Word and by the bodily death of Jesus; for everything in Christ, if seen truly, beatifies the beholder. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 141. [2]

[1] Is 27:11.

[2] HE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST | MATTHEW 14:1-12