Holy Wednesday (May 1)

The Sinful Woman and the Disciple

Today the Church remembers two events: The anointing of Jesus by the sinful woman and Judas' Betrayal.

       

We mentioned both stories last night, during the Bridegroom Service, but this morning we actually heard the Gospel story. Fr. Edward and Fr. Philip read during Liturgy:

"And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor. But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him." (Matthew 26:6-16)

Today a sinful woman does something wonderful and kind for Jesus while one of his own disciples sells him over to his enemies for money!


Did you ever wonder why the Church fasts (abstains from meat and dairy) on Wednesdays throughout the year? 
It is because of today's events! We fast on Wednesday's in remembrance of Judas' betrayal of Jesus.

What's happening tonight?

Lastly, there is a special service that will be happening this evening. It is called Holy Unction or the Holy Oil Service. This is one of the sacraments of the Church, just like communion or baptism. The priest anoints the people with a special oil, which is meant for the healing of the body (sickness, etc.) and the soul. We'll hear more about this service this evening.

Hope to see you there!