A woman from that town, known for her sins, approached Jesus (Luke 7:37). This account raises questions and leads some to wonder if the two Gospel writers disagreed on doctrinal matters or if they presented differing perspectives on the sacramental significance of the encounter. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is mentioned that as Jesus visited the house of Simon the leper in Bethany, a woman brought an alabaster flask of costly perfume and poured it on His head (Matthew 26:6-7). Meanwhile, according to Luke, a tax collector observes that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would recognize the woman's sinful nature and keep his distance (Luke 7:39), but in Matthew, the disciples grumble that the perfume was squandered. To clarify these accounts, one should begin with the earlier Scriptures.
The Lord Jesus entered Simon the leper's home, demonstrating an openness to the unclean, aiming to cleanse and redeem the human condition. Simon's residence in Bethany, which translates to “house of obedience,” symbolizes a broader obedience demonstrated through service to the world. Could it not signify that Simon's house represents humanity itself? Jesus descends from heavenly realms into this world not by His own will but by the obedience to the Father, as He stated, “As the Father hath sent me into this world” (John 6:57). The woman, having heard of Christ's arrival, sought Him in Simon’s house because her healing depended on His presence on earth. By entering Simon's domain, she reflects a noble concept - the soul or Church that descends to gather souls through its aromatic essence (2 Cor. 2:14-15).
Matthew describes this woman applying perfume to Jesus’ head, which indicates that he might not have aimed to label her as a sinner. Luke, however, labels her as a sinner who poured perfume on His feet (Luke 7:37). It is possible they refer to different women, suggesting no contradiction between the evangelists. The discrepancy rests in the significance of the event and its timing; initially, she is a sinner, yet she progressively attains a deeper perfection. The Church, or soul, does not alter its identity but instead grows in holiness. Recognize that a soul steadfast in purity, approaching God sincerely (Isaiah 58:2, James 4:8), serves God's Word not through shameful transgressions but through righteousness, ultimately ascending to Christ, who is the head of all (1 Corinthians 11:3). Such a soul radiates with virtues, for we are the fragrance of Christ to God (2 Cor. 2:15), and the righteous’ lives glorify Him.
With this understanding, it is evident that this woman will indeed be spoken of as blessed wherever the Gospel is proclaimed (Matt. 26:13), and her memory will endure for she anointed Jesus with the fragrant oil of virtuous actions. However, one who approaches the head with a dismissive heart, mockingly and carnally, cannot be exalted (Col. 2:18-19). For those who cannot reach the head, let them at least cling to His feet, as they form the entirety of the body which thrives in unity through divine growth (Col. 2:19).
The second woman differs from the first; whether she is another individual or has undergone transformation, she reflects our own struggles, for we have not entirely renounced our sins. Where are our tears and our cries of repentance? Let us bow down before Him and weep before our Creator (Psalm 94:6), that we may at least kneel at Jesus' feet! Yet we often fail to approach Him in such a manner, with the sinner at His feet and the righteous at His head.
Nevertheless, the sinner possesses incense. Consider those who depict repentance after sin! When you learn of the Righteous entering the dwelling of the unworthy or the Pharisee, do not simply admire the hospitality shown but strive to attain the Kingdom of Heaven. Since the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom has been taken by force, and the determined have entered it (Matthew 11:12). Wherever Christ's name is proclaimed, rush to Him! Wherever you see His presence, hurry to welcome Him into your heart. When you discover Wisdom and Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30) in your abode, strive even for the edges of that Wisdom! Do not shy away from touching His feet; the woman who only touched the hem of His garment was healed (Lk. 8:44). Confess your sins with tears, allowing divine Righteousness to respond to you.
She, in her sorrow, poured tears on His feet and wiped them with her hair (Lk. 7:44). Perhaps Christ did not wash His feet specifically so we might cleanse them with our tears. The tears that accompany genuine repentance beautifully cleanse our transgressions, refreshing the feet of the divine Word and enabling His presence within us to yield fruitfulness. Such tears not only atone for sins but nourish the righteous, as the righteous lament, “My tears have become bread to me” (Psalm 41:4).
If you cannot ascend to Christ's head, allow Him to grace your head through His feet. His garment’s hem offers healing; His feet also bring restoration. Spread your hair, your entire being, before Him. The hair that adorns you may serve to wipe Christ's feet. The invincible one who had flowing hair stands as a testimony to this (Judges 16:17-19).
It is inappropriate for a woman with a shaved head to offer prayers (1 Cor. 11:5-6); let her maintain her hair to honor Christ’s feet. Through her beauty and dignity, may she brush past the feet of Wisdom, seeking to be nourished by the breath of divine strength. Let her seal kisses of devotion upon the feet of Righteousness. Much merit is awarded to the woman of whom Wisdom can testify: “Since I came, she has not ceased to kiss My feet” (Luke 7:45).
A blessed individual who can anoint Christ's feet with oil! Simon did not extend this honor; the blessed woman with the fragrant ointment stands apart. The beauty of many gathered flowers produces a variety of sweet scents. Only the Church, enriched with countless fragrant blooms, can offer such divine perfume. It is fitting that she embodies the form of a sinner, as Christ Himself took upon the likeness of sin (Phil. 2:7).
Thus, no one can love like the Church, which embodies a multitude of affections, including that of Peter, who affirmed, “Lord, You know that I love You” (Jn. 21:15), grieving over the Lord’s probing inquiry, “Do You love Me?” (Jn. 21:17). He wished not to be questioned about what was evident. Neither did Peter love more than the essence of the Church's love, nor did Paul, as his identity is intertwined with it. You should love the Lord above all to receive forgiveness for your transgressions. Paul, a former persecutor (1 Cor. 15:9, 1 Tim. 1:13), committed many sins, yet through immense love and enduring trials, even to the brink of martyrdom, he experienced abundant forgiveness.
Returning focus to the aforementioned woman, the apostles struggled to comprehend her gesture, as its significance remains veiled in divine mystery; “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” (Isa. 40:13; Rom. 11:34). The disciples reacted negatively to the woman’s act, questioning why such costly perfume was wasted, asserting that it could have been sold and the proceeds given to the less fortunate (Matt. 26:8-9; cf. Mk. 14:4-5). Their sentiments, while seeming critical, require a deeper understanding to reveal their hidden implications, often aligning with a superficial view of wealth.
To condemn such thoughts is akin to a person indulging in luxury. Additionally, those who embody the peace of Christ typically extend their fragrance rather than waste it. Why should their proposal to sell the ointment for a greater sum and assist the needy attract disdain? The Lord had previously stated, “What you did to one of these little ones, you did to me” (Matthew 25:40), as He willingly sacrificed Himself for the poor.
This embodies not merely a metaphor, as conveyed through God’s Word: “Why do you trouble the woman?”... “You always have beggars with you but you do not always have Me” (Matthew 26:10, 11). Since the needy are perpetually present, extend kindness to them! His presence demands urgent acknowledgement; the prophet encourages: “Do not say to the beggar… 'I will give you tomorrow'” (Proverbs 3:28). While the prophet emphasizes mercy, the Lord prioritizes faith, noting its necessity prior to acts of charity. “Having poured this ointment on My body, she prepared Me for burial” (Matthew 26:12). Thus, His preference lies not in the perfume itself but in the love and faith intertwined with humility.
Beyond mercy, cultivate love; apply faith in the resurrection as ointment on Christ’s body, embodying the Church’s fragrance through collective love. It is through these virtues that you will effectually aid the poor. Money holds greater value when it is shared from a place of genuine need rather than excess. When assisting the poor, do so as if offering to Christ Himself. Therefore, do not misconstrue the significance of the ointment applied to His head literally—remember, “the letter kills” (2 Corinthians 3:6)— but embrace its spiritual message, as the spirit is life.
What kind of ointment did this woman possess? Who can grasp its depth? Only those whose ears are attuned to the Word can delve into these mysteries. Even the disciples’ understanding remained partial; they lacked full insight. In this light, some suggest that the disciples intended to barter the faith of the Gentiles with mere incense, a commodity only worth the price of Christ's sacrifice—this seems credible. The evangelist John records Judas Iscariot asserting the ointment's worth at three hundred denarii: “We could sell this ointment for three hundred denarii and give it to the poor” (John 12:5; Mark 14:5). The number three hundred evokes the cross, where the Greek letter representing 300 embodies profound symbolism. Yet, the Lord desires a deeper understanding of the mystery; His longing is for believers to partake in His burial.
This perspective illuminates the words of the apostles. However, Judas faced condemnation for his greed, favoring money over the proper homage due to his Lord's burial. Even aware of Jesus' impending suffering, he companioned worth with a price far too high. Christ's intention was to be available for the cost of all, encouraging access even to the beggar. He instructed, “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). His riches surpasss monetary obligations, emphasizing gratitude instead, as He has redeemed us with His precious blood, not for sale.
Therefore, we must recognize that in Christ are hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3) that remain unfathomable to mankind. It is appropriate to labor for His burial, that we may truly acknowledge the resting of His flesh without decay, allowing the death of His body to envelop our hearts with His fragrance, assuring us that He surrendered His spirit into the Father’s hands and that His divine essence transcended bodily suffering.
Understand this: the body of the Son emanates a fragrance of peace; though His body was broken, it did not perish. His body encapsulates the living tradition of the Scriptures; His body embodies the Church. We are the essence of Christ’s body (2 Cor. 2:15), and thus it is right to honor His mortal sacrifice; while He does not require our accolades, the needy do. My honor for His body resides in proclaiming His teachings and revealing the mystery of the cross to the nations. As the apostle boldly declared, “We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness; but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). The cross attains honor when, through the Gospel, what ignorance deemed folly is recognized as profound wisdom. Here we illustrate how the enemy's might is dismantled by Christ's cross, as I spread myrrh upon the Lord’s body, and that which seemed lifeless breathed anew.
THEOSIS