A woman, a sinner, dared to enter the house of Simon the Pharisee when it was filled with distinguished guests (Luke 7: 36 – 8:3). All her years of guilt, self-accusation, and near despair were released in a flood of silent tears that bathed Jesus’ feet — tears of love and trusting sorrow. She wipes Christ’s feet with her hair and pours out her most precious ointment upon them. Simon the Pharisee considers himself righteous before God and men. True righteousness, says St. Gregory the Great, is compassionate, whereas false righteousness is indignant. Simon feels no need for forgiveness. “The one thing which shuts a man off from God is self-sufficiency…. The better a man is, the more he feels his sin…. It is true to say that the greatest of sins is to be conscious of no sin; but a sense of need will open the door to the forgiveness of God, because God is love, and love’s greatest glory is to be needed.” (The Gospel of Luke, William Barclay, p. 95). Jesus turns to the woman. He pronounces those words that no one else can say, “Your sins are forgiven.” A few other words follow, just as gentle, encouraging, able to change a life: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” With newfound dignity, the woman rises to her feet, faces the stunned and still hostile guests, and silently takes her leave.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:56:13 +0000
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