Holy and Great Wednesday today

Today is the Wednesday of Holy and Great Easter Week.

The day’s liturgy commemorates two women, whom the more discerning interpreters of the Gospel say anointed the Lord with myrrh — the first, quite some time before His Passion; the other, a few days before.

According to the Scriptures, one was a harlot and sinner; the other, chaste and virtuous.

The Church commemorates this reverent act on Holy Wednesday. While mentioning here-in the person of the harlot, it also cites the betrayal by Judas; for, according to the account in Matthew, both of these deeds took place two days before the Passover, on Wednesday.

As such, the woman anointed Jesus’ head and feet with precious myrrh, and wiped them with the tresses of her hair. The disciples, especially the avaricious Judas, were scandalized, supposedly because of the waste of the myrrh, which could be sold for a great price and given to the poor.

The Lord Jesus reprimanded them and instructed them not to trouble the woman.

Indignant, Judas went to the high priests, who were gathered in the court of Caiaphas and were already taking counsel against Jesus. Upon agreeing with them to betray his Teacher for 30 pieces of silver, Judas sought the opportunity to betray Him.

Because this greatest of betrayals took place on Wednesday, we have received the tradition from Apostolic times to fast on Wednesday throughout the year.

In the afternoon or evening of Great and Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body, and for forgiveness of sins. The body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person.

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