Monday, June 13, 2005

 

LUKE 7:36-50

It would have been great to also be invited by Simon the Pharisee when Jesus was there. From the beginning, the whole situation smelled of dynamite, of possible explosions. Why did the Pharisees invite Jesus? Was the Pharisee Jesus' friend because he gave him the title "Rabbi"? Surely not. He neglected the basic etiquette and so offended Jesus publicly. Surely he was out to trap Jesus, as other Pharisees liked to do.


Then the woman a prostitute, dared to enter where a company of men was engaged in dinner and conversation. In at least three serious violations, she was guilty of entering the hall, touching Jesus and letting her hair down. For a woman to let her hair down was a shameless act. Only a prostitute would do that.


What about Jesus? He was so relaxed. We can imagine him reclining on a couch, observing the people, smiling and waiting for the moment when he would detonate the dynamite.


No mention is made about the way Jesus was treated. He allowed the woman to do what she was doing and seemed to enjoy it. And finally the bombshell. He forgives her sins, something which only God can do.


It is a dramatic story. But we could miss the point if we concentrated on the drama only. This story gives us much food for thought.


Simon, the Pharisee, was not conscious of any wrongdoing. He felt no love and so closed the door to God's mercy and grace. He thought of himself as a good person. But self-righteousness and self-sufficiency shuts us off from God and his grace. One of the greatest sins is being convinced to have no sin at all.


The woman is to be admired for her courage. She realized that she had sinned, but she was not discouraged. She did not shrug her shoulders saying: "I am a hopeless case. It is too late for me to change." She believed that God would be willing to forgive her. There was real love and trust in her. She felt the need for God's intervention and was ready to go through even a shameful scene like the one she created in the Pharisee's house.


Admitting one's sins alone is not enough because it can lead to spiritual pessimism. And to believe that God is willing to forgive can lead to automatic confession and cheap grace. Both attitudes must come together, carried by love for God and trust in his mercy. Only then does the miracle of true repentance take place. Life takes a different direction and a major step is made towards perfection and holiness.


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