Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

holy_wednesday

2 Entries

And indeed, if He had been making a law, He would not have brought in the woman [who had anointed His feet with ointment], but that thou mightest learn that for her sake these things were said, that they might not mar her budding faith, but rather cherish it, therefore He saith it, teaching us whatever good thing may be done by any man, though it be not quire perfect, to receive it, and encourage it, and advance it, and not to seek all perfection at the beginning. St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew.

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Lo, the day has dawned which I longed to see, A time favorable for me. My God is lodged in the house of Simon. I shall hasten to Him and weep, just as Anna did about her sterility. Simon may consider me drunk, Just as Elias then considered Anna. I shall keep on praying And saying, 'Lord, I do not ask for a child. I seek my very own soul which I have lost! O Emmanuel, born of a virgin, just as Thou hast removed the stigma of sterility when Samuel was born Of the childless woman, so deliver me, a harlot, From the slime of my deeds'." St Romanos the Melodist - Vol. I, On the Sinful Woman (On Wednesday of the Great and Holy Week, we commemorate the sinful woman who anointed the feet of the Saviour with myrrh and wiped them with her hair.)

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