Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Luke 23:56

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

For they had not yet sufficient faith, but prepared as if for a mere man spices and ointments, after the manner of the Jews, who performed such duties to their dead. Hence it follows, And they returned, and prepared spices. For our Lord being buried, they were occupied as long as it was lawful to work, (that is, until sun-set,) in preparing ointments. But it was commanded to keep silence on the Sabbath, that is, rest from evening to evening. For it follows, And rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Western Saints

Bede

And they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And indeed they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. The commandment was that the Sabbath silence be observed from evening to evening, and therefore the devout women, after the Lord was buried, were occupied in preparing ointments as long as it was permitted to work, that is, until sunset. …

On the Gospel of Luke ↗

Bonaventure

Morally, by these three women, according to Gregory, are signified faithful souls, who ought to offer the Lord three ointments or spices, that is, the fragrance of virtues, the reputation of good works, and the sweetness of holy prayers, concerning which Song of Songs four: "Arise, O north wind, and come, O south wind, blow through my garden, and let its spices flow forth." But according to Bernard, by these three women are signified in each person the mind, the tongue, and the hands, each of which has its own very precious …

Commentary on Luke, Chapter 23 ↗