Matthew 26:6

Verse 6. When Jesus was in Bethania, and so forth Saint Augustine observes, that this pouring of the ointment on Jesus is not related by Saint Matthew in due order of time. It was not done on this Wednesday, but as Saint John expressly tells us, (12:1) six days before the Pasch, or Paschal feast, began. This anointing was different from that done in the house of the Pharisee, and in Galilee, set down by Saint Luke, Calmet. 7:37. Witham.—Saint Matthew mentions the fact in this place, because it was in some measure the occasion of Judas’s treason. V.—Saint Ambrose seems to assert, that the Simon here mentioned was at that time a leper, in the following words: “Hence, it appears, that Christ did not flee the company of lepers; he kept company with the unclean, that he might purify them from their uncleanness.” S. Jerom is of opinion that Simon was not then a leper, but had been cured of a leprosy by our Lord; and that he afterwards retained the name of leper, as Saint Matthew, after he was called by our Saviour, continued to be called the Publican. The latter sentiment seem most probable, because the Jews were not permitted to associate with lepers. Dion. Carth.