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Commentary on the Gospel of mark 50 the rumors of wars and the reckoning or dread of their calamities as well as varied and unaccustomed earthquakes and the poverty of famine where the text says: “And Jesus responded.”134 In the fourth he says that before the things predicted take place, all the Gentiles must be evangelized by the apostles and the faithful who will endure many beatings. He comforts them and encourages them to be steadfast and to persevere where the text has:“Watch out for yourselves.”135 The fifth shows more fully the extent of the tribulations from the anti-Christ136 where the text says: “And when you see.”137 The sixth presents the teaching concerning the future judgment after that tribulation and what its signs are where the text states: “But in those days.”138 The seventh sets forth the teaching concerning the secret nature of the day or hour of that judgment which forces us to be vigilant for that day and to be always prepared. The text reads: “But of that day or hour.”139 PArt ii: chriSt’S PASSion And deAth140 23)“AnditwasPassover.”141 Havingcompletedthefirstpart of his book, which deals with the course of Christ’s preaching, the evangelist now turns to his passion and death. This part has four principal sections. The first shows: the wickedness of those who procure his capture and death; Christ’s ardent arise], but they will be lying that they are Christ. 1 John 2:18 states: ‘Many anti-Christs have arisen.’ And 1 John 4:3 says: ‘Every spirit that severs Jesus is not of God, but is of the anti-Christ of whom you have heard that he is coming.’” 134 See Mark 13:5. 135 See Mark 13:9. 136 Mark 13 does not refer to an “anti-Christ,” but to “false Christs.” See Mark 13:22. Space does not allow Olivi the opportunity to comment about the anti-Christs. See his Commentary on Revelation. 137 See Mark 13:14. 138 See Mark 13:24. 139 See Mark 13:32. 140 Mark 14:1-15:47. 141 See Mark 14:1. ChrIst’s passIon and death 51 and prescient love to undergo his death; the weakness of the disciples. The second sets forth the horrendous and violent tumult attendant to his capture and condemnation where the text reads: “And while he was still speaking.”142 The third presents the ignominy of his crucifixion relative to those crucified , but the glorious wonder relative to the divine signs where chapter 15 below states: “And after they had mocked him.”143 The fourth displays the prompt obedience of some of his devoted followers to provide assistance and to bury him where the text says: “Now there were also women.”144 24) Mark 14:1-42. In the first principal section there are seven sub-sections. The first sets forth the traitorous procuring of Christ’s capture and death. The motivating cause and reason for this wickedness was the horrendous cupidity violently launched against Mary for wasting precious ointment on Christ.145 So when this event is remembered, what Mary had done will be recalled. Mary’s anointing of Jesus before his death is commemorated on this occasion. The procuring of this betrayal was accomplished on the Wednesday after Palm Sunday. Wherefore, it is said here that it was “Passover ,” that is, the immolation of the paschal lamb, “and unleavened bread,” that is, the celebration of Unleavened Bread, 142 See Mark 14:43. 143 See Mark 15:1. 144 See Mark 15:40. 145 Mark’s account of the anointing in 14:3-9 does not name the woman . See John 12:1-11 which mentions Mary as the one who anointed Jesus. Olivi seems dependent on Bede, CCSL cxx, 607, who observes that Mark is indebted to John 12:6 here and makes the special point that the motivating factor for Judas’s criticism of the anointing was cupidity. Albert the Great, In Marcum, 691 also introduces the element of cupidity: “‘and given to the poor.’ Note the hypocrisy here since under the species of piety he hides his avarice and gives birth to betrayal. He did not care for the poor or try to help them. Rather through this statement he wants to cover his avarice and to incite the indignation of the disciples against Christ and the pious woman. John 12:6 says: ‘Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because...

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