You always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do them good, but you do not always have Me with you.”
The Lord does not lessen the duty of mercy toward the poor, but shows the uniqueness of this moment. Opportunities to help the poor will continue, but Christ’s earthly presence, this opportunity to anoint His body before the cross, would not be repeated. This teaches that good works must be done at the right time. Spiritual watchfulness recognizes the moment given by God and does not delay love. The woman’s deed was not out of place, because the person of Christ is the source of every good, and love toward Him does not contradict mercy toward the poor, but gives the right foundation for all of it.