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Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), Sandro Botticelli

Catena Aurea on John 12:1–11: Augustine of Hippo

Sandro Botticelli, Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), c. 1480 · Ognissanti, Florence · Public domainSandro Botticelli, Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), c. 1480, Ognissanti, Florence

CommentAugustine of HippoPublic domainJohn 12:1–11

The ointment with which Mary anointed the feet of Jesus was justice. It was therefore a pound. It was ointment of spikenard (pistici) too, very precious. Πίστις is Greek for faith. Dost thou seek to do justice? The just liveth by faith. (Heb. 10:38) Anoint the feet of Jesus by good living, follow the Lord’s footsteps: if thou hast a superfluity, give to the poor, and thou hast wiped the Lord’s feet; for the hair is a superfluous part of the body.

Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).

Also cites: Tr. li. 6

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