Today's readings are Exodus 34.29-35.21 and Luke 7.36-50.
The narrative we read today in Luke's Gospel is easily and often misinterpreted. I'd like to make a few observations about it. Yes, the misinterpretations I cite are misinterpretations of which I am certainly guilty.
Maybe we understand from this passage that Simon the Pharisee was righteous so he had no need to repent. This cannot be. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Jesus mentions some of Simon's sins as e commends the unnamed woman. It does not matter who we are, whether we are very scrupulous in our religious life and observance or not. We are all sinners by nature, and we do not need to look very far to see our sin.
Maybe we understand from this passage that the woman was really in need of repentance and forgiveness in an exceptional way. This is true, but when we look at the passage in that way we may be quick to assume that we, as opposed to the woman who must have acted in some heinous manner, have less need for repentance. Back to my former paragraph. We all have need for repentance.
Maybe we understand this passage to teach that the woman is forgiven because she is weeping, anointing Jesus' feet, and showing her love for Jesus. This is not so. The logic of Jesus' statements is quite the opposite. The woman is weeping, anointing Jesus' feet, and showing her love for Jesus because she has been forgiven. It is, in fact, the mercy of God applied to our lives which brings us to repentance and expressions of love to Christ, not vice versa.
Maybe we assume that if we are not constantly tearful before our Lord we are not truly forgiven. Yet we need only look at the greater context of Scripture to see that there are many people whom Jesus has forgiven who don't spend all their time mourning. The mourning and weeping has its appropriate time. And there is an appropriate time for walking in joy and confidence before our Lord and Savior. Different people will express themselves in different ways. The outward emotional expression is not an accurate measure of spirituality.
Maybe we assume that Simon was left unrepentant and unforgiven. We are not told that. Many times seeing God's mercy on one person will be the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to draw others to Christ and show his mercy to them as well.
Have we seen the forgiveness of Christ? Let us then turn to our Lord and Savior. Let us give him the kiss of greeting, wash his feet, anoint his head with oil, and rejoice in his presence. Having been loved much, let us likewise love our Lord.
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