THURSDAY, TWENTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Cor 15: 1-11 Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 28 Lk 7: 36-50
EXTRAVAGANT LOVE VS MISERLY LOVE
Why did a rabbi invite him to a nice dinner and then treat him discourteously by neglecting to give him the customary signs of respect and honour? Have you seen people displaying in their homes and offices their photographs alongside a celebrity or a very important person? They are celebrity syndrome people. They like to associate with celebrities as they think that will boost their image and self-worth. Simon was very likely a collector of celebrities. He patronized Jesus because of his popularity with the crowds. He probably wanted to be seen as a friend of Jesus, not for anything but popularity.
Why did he criticize Jesus’ compassionate treatment of a “sinful woman”? Simon wanted to score a point in the eyes of his friends with his association with Jesus. He thought he would be sharing Jesus’ popularity. With what Jesus allowed to happen in his house, Simon thought would be discrediting his value. In all that he did, his intention was purely selfish.
Why did the sinful woman approach Jesus and anoint him at the risk of ridicule and abuse by others? The woman’s action was motivated by one thing, and one thing only, namely, her love for Jesus and her gratitude for forgiveness. She did something a Jewish woman would never do in public. She loosed her hair and anointed Jesus with her tears. It was customary for a woman on her wedding day to bind her hair. For a married woman to loosen her hair in public was a sign of grave immodesty. She was oblivious to all around her, except for Jesus. Her love was not calculated but extravagant. In a spirit of humility and heart-felt repentance, she lavishly served the one who showed her the mercy and kindness of God. The stark contrast of attitudes between Simon and the woman of ill-repute, demonstrate how we can either accept or reject God’s mercy. May the Lord fill our hearts with love and gratitude for the mercy He has shown to us.
Response: Give praise to the Lord, for he is good.
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