Images of Great and Holy Wednesday

Monday – On this day are commemorated the story of the Ten Virgins who went out to meet the Bridegroom, and that of Joseph, son of Jacob, whose brothers sold him to the Egyptians, but who remained pure and faithful to God. He is a prototype of Christ, persecuted by his own people and delivered by them to foreigners, but raised up by God to be King and Master of all nations. The third lesson of the day is the curse of the fig tree condemned by Christ because it bore no fruit. So shall we be condemned if we do not bear the fruits of penance, humility and renouncement to illicit worldly pleasures.

Tuesday – The story of the Ten Virgins is recalled once more, then that of the men who had received different talents. Any gift from the Lord must be worked and made to fructify. The last judgment and the end of the world are also remembered.

Wednesday – The example of Mary of Magdala is remembered on this day: how she washed the Lord’s feet with her tears of love and repentance, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with costly perfume.