(Luke 7:36-50)
Prayer: O Jesus, you have forgiven me much. Let me love you much.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus at table with Simon, the Pharisee.)
Context:
Jesus’ parable centers upon the creditor who forgives both debtors. Where can such a man be found? He is Jesus’ example of God’s inconceivable goodness. The woman understands this goodness. Simon does not and, therefore, he cannot accept Jesus allowing the woman to cleanse his feet.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
A certain Pharisee named Simon wanted Jesus to dine with him. However, when a sinful woman washed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with perfumed oil, Simon thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would know that she is a sinful woman.” Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Two men owed money to a certain money lender. One owed five hundred coins and the other, fifty. Since neither could pay, he cancelled both debts. Who was more grateful to him?” Simon answered, “The one who was forgiven the greater debt.”
Turning to the woman, Jesus said to Simon, “You see this woman. When I entered your house, you gave me no water to wash my feet. She washed them with her tears. You gave me no kiss. She has kissed my feet. You did not anoint my head. She has anointed my feet. I say, “Many sins are forgiven her because she has loved much.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The woman has experienced Jesus’ forgiveness.
- The greatness of this forgiveness leads to her great thankfulness.
- She expresses this gratitude totally, using perfumed oil, her tears and her hair.
- She desires one thing – to thank Jesus for his forgiveness.
- The whole scene puzzles the Pharisee. He cannot comprehend the woman’s total thankfulness or Jesus’ total acceptance.
- Jesus clarifies what has happened. Her love is as deep as her sins used to be. She sinned totally. She was forgiven totally. She now loves totally.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, how many sins you have forgiven me!
- O Lord, your mercy pours out upon all who ask.
- Jesus, I will recall all my sins. Where my sins have been total, my love can be total.
- Your mercy claims all my heart!
- Jesus, you understand what led me into sin and you know how to lead me to forgiveness.
- What a blessing to weep at your feet!
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will see my past sins as a cause for thanking God for his mercy. They can become a source of gratitude.
- I will thank God for saving me from hell.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation)
Which of these loved him most?