36 A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him, and Jesus went to his house and sat down to eat. 37 In that town was a woman who lived a sinful life. She heard that Jesus was eating in the Pharisee’s house, so she brought an alabaster jar full of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus, by his feet, crying and wetting his feet with her tears. Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them, and poured the perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, “If this man really were a prophet, he would know who this woman is who is touching him; he would know what kind of sinful life she lives!” 40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Yes, Teacher,” he said, “tell me.” 41 “There were two men who owed money to a moneylender,” Jesus began. “One owed him 500 silver coins, and the other owed him 50. 42 Neither of them could pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Which one, then, will love him more?” 43 “I suppose,” answered Simon, “that it would be the one who was forgiven more.” “You are right,” said Jesus. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your home, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You did not welcome me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet since I came. 46 You provided no olive oil for my head, but she has covered my feet with perfume. 47 I tell you, then, the great love she has shown proves that her many sins have been forgiven. But whoever has been forgiven little shows only a little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others sitting at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 But Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 1 Some time later Jesus travelled through towns and villages, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of God. The 12 disciples went with him, 2 and so did some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (who was called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had been driven out; 3 Joanna, whose husband Chuza was an officer in Herod’s court; and Susanna, and many other women who used their own resources to help Jesus and his disciples.
Other readings: 2 Sam 12:7-10, 13; Ps 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11; Gal 2:16, 19-21
LECTIO
Jesus is invited for a meal by Simon the Pharisee. At that time, rich people would have eaten reclining on couches at a low table with their feet pointing away from the table.
A woman, probably a prostitute, washes Jesus’s feet with her tears, dries them with her hair, kisses them and then anoints them with perfume. This would have been socially unacceptable. Simon judges them both, but judges Jesus even more than the woman because he did not stop her.
Jesus is fully aware what Simon is thinking. So he tells a parable about two people being forgiven debts they could not repay. Jesus makes the point that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness. The woman’s actions show the sincerity of her repentance, her faith in Jesus and love for him.
Luke then draws attention to the role of women in Jesus’s ministry, naming three who travelled with him and the disciples while they preached the Gospel. He also adds that many women supported Jesus’s ministry from their own resources, probably with food and money.
MEDITATIO
In what way does Simon misjudge both Jesus and the woman? Consider the impact this encounter might have had on Simon, the other guests and
the woman. What can we learn from this parable? Do you feel you have been forgiven much or just a little for your sins?
ORATIO
Praise God, Jesus will cancel out our sins if we repent. Pray through the verses from Psalm 32. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the real nature of grace.
CONTEMPLATIO
Contemplate Jesus’s sacrifice for you and God’s gift of forgiveness. Consider what it means to live for God, not for yourself.
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