Word to the Wise
Sunday, June 17, 2007 - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
[2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13; Galatians 2:16, 19-21; Luke 7:36-8:3]"Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
The contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the Woman considered a sinner is at the center of this gospel incident. Not only does Simon fail to extend to Jesus the ordinary courtesies after inviting him to dine, but he (Simon) doubts that Jesus is a prophet because Jesus allows this woman to touch him. The woman comes and gives Jesus the courtesies while weeping in gratitude. It is her faith that gains her forgiveness. The relationship between faith, love and mercy is very important. The woman acknowledges Jesus; she shows great love; she obtains mercy. She is an inspiring example to all of us. It is truly impossible to love someone if we are not ready to forgive again and again - to show great mercy. Further, we show ourselves to be true lovers by acknowledging our need of God's mercy and our gratitude for that mercy (and do the same in our personal relationships.) This powerful scene of the woman washing Jesus' feet should leave us all wondering when our turn to do that will come. AMEN
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