11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Luke 7:36-50

The penitent woman in today's Gospel, who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, touches us deeply. Those, however, who witnessed her doing these things were deeply shocked!
The homes of the wealthy, like this Pharisee named Simon*, were built around an open courtyard, and in the warm weather, meals were eaten outdoors. It was customary that when a rabbi (teacher) was at a meal in such a house, outsiders were free to come in and listen to the wisdom of the law propounded by the teacher.

Guests reclined at table - they lay on low couches, resting on the left elbow, leaving the right arm free for eating. During the meal the sandals were removed from the feet which were stretched out over the lower edge of the reclining couch. The woman begins to weep at His feet - her tears touched His feet and she wipes them with unbound hair. For a Jewish woman to appear in public with hair unbound was an act of serious immodesty. The woman is oblivious to all but Jesus. The fact that the woman is well known and has a bad reputation, coupled with her unbinding her hair in public, shocks the by-standers. Simon, the Pharisee dinner host, thinks to himself that if Jesus was a prophet (that is, one intimately close to God), He would have known who and what kind of person this woman is who keeps touching Him! A scrupulous observer of the law of Moses would NEVER have allowed a sinner to touch Him even once and Jesus allows this woman to keep touching Him!
Jesus then tells a simple parable involving two extremes of debt - large and small -and a master who forgives both debts. Who will be more grateful for forgiveness? - obviously the one who received the greater favor.Jesus then draws a contrast between the supposedly gracious host, Simon the Pharisee, and the intruding sinful woman.

When a distinguished guest entered a house such as Simon's, the host placed his hand on the guest's shoulder and gave him the kiss of peace. This would never have been omitted in the case of a visit by a distinguished rabbi like Jesus. Since the roads were very dusty and sandals were only thin pieces of sole held in place by straps across the foot, cool water would be poured over a guest's feet to cleanse and refresh them. Then, a pinch of sweet-smelling incense or a drop or two of some fragrant perfume was placed on the guest's head. Please notice that this was considered ordinary good manners and Simon had done none of this for Jesus.
Jesus then points out to Simon in conclusion of the parable that this seemingly evil woman had graciously treated Jesus in a manner worthy of His person. She has washed His feet, not with water but with the tears of repentance. She has kissed His feet in expression of love and gratitude for forgiveness. She also anointed Him with fragrant perfume.

Jesus claims her many sins forgiven and bids her go in peace for her faith has saved her. The contrast between this woman and Simon is remarkable. Her need for forgiveness was great and, prompted by that need, she opens herself completely to the Lord. Simon was interested in Jesus and His teaching, but not much beyond that for his failure to perform the normal welcoming for a distinguished guest shows him to be unready for any depth of acceptance of Jesus' message.
The "Simon" of this Gospel is one of the Pharisees and should not be confused with Simon Peter.

-ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER: LITURGY OFFICE