“semper enim pauperes habetis vobiscum : et cum volueritis, potestis illis benefacere : me autem non semper habetis.”
“For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.”
“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me.”
“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me.”
“For ye have the poor always with you, and whensoever ye will ye can do them good: but me ye have not always.”
Christ here answers the apostles, by informing them that he should not always be with them, but would shortly leave them, as to his corporal presence, though he spiritually will remain with them, and their successors, to the end of time. (Matthew xxviii.) — Behold I am, &c. He will not always be with them, so as to want their services. (Ven. Bede)
Verses 1-11 Did Christ pour out his soul unto death for us, and shall we think any thing too precious for him? Do we give him the precious ointment of our best affections? Let us love him with all the heart, though it is common for zeal and affection to be misunderstood and blamed; and remember that charity to the poor will not excuse any from particular acts of piety to the Lord Jesus. Christ commended this woman's pious attention to the notice of believers in all ages. Those who honour Christ he will honour. Covetousness was Judas' master lust, and that betrayed him to the sin of betraying his Master; the devil suited his temptation to that, and so conquered him. And see what wicked contrivances many have in their sinful pursuits; but what appears to forward their plans, will prove curses in the end.