For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. The always-have-the-poor and not-always-have-me creates the eschatological context for the act: the opportunity to care for the poor is permanent and will always be available; the opportunity to anoint Jesus before his burial is singular and passing. The saying is not a prioritization of one over the other but a recognition of the unique character of the present moment.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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