Love God – Reflection on Luke 7:36-50
Jesus willingly accepted the invitation into the home of Simon the Pharisee to be among Pharisees who may not have had Jesus’s best interest in mind. The sinful woman seems to slip in with her precious oil, publicly humbling herself with her loose hair and tears, washing and kissing Jesus’s feet. It is easy to miss that Simon gave Jesus respect with the title of teacher and a chance to share His viewpoint of the woman. We only hear the reaction of the other Pharisees, but not from Simon, who has the correct view of canceling the debtor or making a comparison to Mary Magdalene. Isn’t it possible that Simon continued to respect Jesus and would give him that same opportunity to speak again? In today’s unsettled world, conveying that we love God and others despite their opinions only requires an invitation from the other and vice versa.
The Ointment of the Magdalene by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 7:36-50 – Scripture*
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. 37 And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38 She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” 41 “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 7:36-50 Reflection – Love God.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 7.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Love God
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.