Great and Holy Week
The week of inconceivable Joy
HOLY AND GREAT WEDNESDAY
The Harlot Who Anointed
the Lord with Myrrh
the Lord with Myrrh
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Saint John 15:11 KJV
St. John, Disciple of St. Gregory;
St. Athanasía of Ǽgina
On Holy & Great Wednesday the Church invites the faithful to focus their attention on two figures: the sinful woman who anointed Jesus shortly before the passion (St. Matt 26:6-13), and Judas, the disciple who betrayed the Lord. The former acknowledged Jesus as Lord, while the latter severed himself from the Master. The one was set free, while the other became a slave. The one inherited the kingdom, while the other fell into perdition. These two people bring before us concerns and issues related to freedom, sin, hell and repentance.
The repentance of the sinful harlot is contrasted with the tragic fall of the chosen disciple. It is clear that Judas perished, not simply because he betrayed his Master, but because, having fallen into the sin of betrayal, he then refused to believe in the possibility of forgiveness. If we deplore the actions of Judas, we do so, not with vindictive self-righteousness, but conscious always of our own guilt. In general, all the passages that seem to be directed against the Jews should be understood in this same way. When the passage denounces those who rejected Christ and delivered Him to death, we recognize that these words apply not only to others, but to ourselves: for have we not betrayed the Savior many times in our hearts and crucified Him anew?
The repentance of the sinful harlot is contrasted with the tragic fall of the chosen disciple. It is clear that Judas perished, not simply because he betrayed his Master, but because, having fallen into the sin of betrayal, he then refused to believe in the possibility of forgiveness. If we deplore the actions of Judas, we do so, not with vindictive self-righteousness, but conscious always of our own guilt. In general, all the passages that seem to be directed against the Jews should be understood in this same way. When the passage denounces those who rejected Christ and delivered Him to death, we recognize that these words apply not only to others, but to ourselves: for have we not betrayed the Savior many times in our hearts and crucified Him anew?
I have transgressed more than the harlot, O loving Lord, yet never have I offered You my flowing tears. But in silence I fall down before You and with love I kiss Your most pure feet, beseeching You as Master to grant me remission of sins; and I cry to You, O Savior: Deliver me from the filth of my works.
While the sinful woman brought oil of myrrh, the disciple came to an agreement with the transgressors.
She rejoiced to pour out what was very precious, he made haste to sell the One who is above all price.
She acknowledged Christ as Lord, he severed himself from the Master.
She was set free, but Judas became the slave of the enemy.
Grievous was his lack of love.
Great was her repentance.
Grant such repentance also unto me, O Savior who has suffered for our sake, and save us.
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