THE PARDON OF THE SINFUL WOMAN
These various reflection on Gospel characters hopes to show the importance of deep personal prayer.
In some examples, the absence of this prayer is also insightful.
Having a clear grasp of the geography of the action, one can then address the extreme humanity of a sinner encountering the healing depth of divine mercy. It is no easy task to imagine the quantity of the tears nor the depth of emotion necessary to cleanse the feet. This is followed by the intense generosity of the anointing. The combination of all the actions opens us to an incredible expression of human sentiment leading to the release of shame, anxiety and torment that was crippling for the poor woman.
This marvelous display of human vulnerability receives a two-fold response. Jesus forgives her allowing her to reach this intensity of love. This permits her to have a new depth of experience of the divine love touching the deepest hunger in her heart, her destiny to be one with God.
On the other hand, Simon, the Pharisee, is surprised that Jesus does not push her away. To the host’s chagrin, Jesus welcomes her actions of incalculable tenderness. It is obvious that Simon does not share Jesus’ deep commitment to acceptance and forgiveness. Simon’s response is petty and engulfed in rejection, hostility and condemnation. Simon had invited Jesus into his home but not into his heart. Contrary to the woman, Simon misses the wonder of love and mercy that totally transcends the minor violation of etiquette in the sexist household. Right before his eyes, blinded by self-absorption, Simon misses the drama of the salvation of a true daughter of Abraham.
This triangular action between Jesus, the woman and Simon is a perfect example of Luke’s first Beatitude and first Woe.
The woman found herself locked into her life of sin. She was totally vulnerable. Her blessedness came when she opened herself in weakness and emptiness to Jesus. In her poverty she found the strength to break loose of her bondage and turn to Jesus.
On the other side of the ledger, Simon displays the contrary, the Woe of being rich.
Basking in his apparent control, Simon sits ready to judge and condemn both the woman and Jesus. Wrapped in the privileges and prestige of his apparent position of superiority, Simon is walking blindly in the midst of the overwhelming beauty of the avalanche of mercy and love that Jesus has unleashed.
Jesus has the final word in this episode: “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Lk 7:50) The forgiveness that the woman experiences is an opening that leads to eternal life. This saving experience involves a personal transformation. The marginalized and rejected woman now is free to serve in the most breathtaking way at the feet of Jesus the Savior. Her generous and symbolic actions unveil the saving grace of God in her life and in all of reality.
We should see in her activities the connection to deep personal prayer. Reflection and prayer on her wonderous story bring us in touch with Jesus every bit as real as he was in the life of the woman. It opens us up to the possibility of personal transformation. It allows us to see ourselves in the marginalized condition of the woman. It unveils the power of our emptiness and poverty as the gateway to the loving mercy of God.
Once again, we see the gift of the many characters of the Gospels. Deep personal prayer opens these Gospel passages to liberating self-knowledge and the wonder of our loving God shining through Jesus Christ.
In some examples, the absence of this prayer is also insightful.
Lk 7:36-50
The proper understanding of the normal position at the dinner table at the time of Jesus brings clarity to this brilliant Gospel story. The guests did not sit at the table. They reclined on low couches on one elbow. This explains how the woman could comfortably weep on Jesus’ feet and wipe the them with her hair.Having a clear grasp of the geography of the action, one can then address the extreme humanity of a sinner encountering the healing depth of divine mercy. It is no easy task to imagine the quantity of the tears nor the depth of emotion necessary to cleanse the feet. This is followed by the intense generosity of the anointing. The combination of all the actions opens us to an incredible expression of human sentiment leading to the release of shame, anxiety and torment that was crippling for the poor woman.
This marvelous display of human vulnerability receives a two-fold response. Jesus forgives her allowing her to reach this intensity of love. This permits her to have a new depth of experience of the divine love touching the deepest hunger in her heart, her destiny to be one with God.
On the other hand, Simon, the Pharisee, is surprised that Jesus does not push her away. To the host’s chagrin, Jesus welcomes her actions of incalculable tenderness. It is obvious that Simon does not share Jesus’ deep commitment to acceptance and forgiveness. Simon’s response is petty and engulfed in rejection, hostility and condemnation. Simon had invited Jesus into his home but not into his heart. Contrary to the woman, Simon misses the wonder of love and mercy that totally transcends the minor violation of etiquette in the sexist household. Right before his eyes, blinded by self-absorption, Simon misses the drama of the salvation of a true daughter of Abraham.
This triangular action between Jesus, the woman and Simon is a perfect example of Luke’s first Beatitude and first Woe.
“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” (LK 6:20)
The woman found herself locked into her life of sin. She was totally vulnerable. Her blessedness came when she opened herself in weakness and emptiness to Jesus. In her poverty she found the strength to break loose of her bondage and turn to Jesus.
On the other side of the ledger, Simon displays the contrary, the Woe of being rich.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Lk 6:24)
Basking in his apparent control, Simon sits ready to judge and condemn both the woman and Jesus. Wrapped in the privileges and prestige of his apparent position of superiority, Simon is walking blindly in the midst of the overwhelming beauty of the avalanche of mercy and love that Jesus has unleashed.
II
Jesus has the final word in this episode: “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Lk 7:50) The forgiveness that the woman experiences is an opening that leads to eternal life. This saving experience involves a personal transformation. The marginalized and rejected woman now is free to serve in the most breathtaking way at the feet of Jesus the Savior. Her generous and symbolic actions unveil the saving grace of God in her life and in all of reality.
We should see in her activities the connection to deep personal prayer. Reflection and prayer on her wonderous story bring us in touch with Jesus every bit as real as he was in the life of the woman. It opens us up to the possibility of personal transformation. It allows us to see ourselves in the marginalized condition of the woman. It unveils the power of our emptiness and poverty as the gateway to the loving mercy of God.
Once again, we see the gift of the many characters of the Gospels. Deep personal prayer opens these Gospel passages to liberating self-knowledge and the wonder of our loving God shining through Jesus Christ.
