You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me with you.
These words continue Jesus’ reply, explaining the distinctive nature of the woman’s act. The Lord reminds the disciples that helping the poor is a constant duty, but this case was exceptional, because He was still with them in the body. “You always have the poor with you” means that the doors of charity are always open, because there will be needy people at all times. But the words “but you will not always have Me with you” sound with deep sorrow: Jesus foretells His coming death, essentially pointing out that this woman’s deed was a final service of love toward Him. He receives that oil not as luxury, but as an anointing toward sacrifice. These words also remind us of the importance of balance: help toward people is important, but when a person comes before God with love and worship, that moment is exceptional and does not repeat. This woman’s act became an immortal remembrance, because she recognized the holiness of the moment, while the others were still accustomed to calculating material values.