Matthew 26:7

A woman] i.e. Mary, sister of Lazarus (Jn). A quite untrustworthy but widelyspread tradition identifies her with the 'sinner' of Luke 7:37, who is (also without any sufficient reason) often identified with Mary Magdalene.

Alabaster box.. poured it on his head] see on Luke 7:37; Luke 7:38. His head] St. John says 'his feet.' Anointing was customary both in Jewish and Gentile feasts. The Talmud says, 'The school of Shammai saith, He holds sweet oil in his right hand and a cup of wine in his left. He says grace first over the oil, and then over the wine. He blesseth the sweet oil and anoints the head of him that serves.' Here, however, it is one who sits at meat who is anointed.