Lectio
Read the passage carefully and thoughtfully.
Passage: “And one of the Pharisees desired Jesus to eat with him. And Jesus went into the house of the Pharisee and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that he sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. And standing behind at his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears and wiped them with the hairs of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: This man, if he were a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. But he said: Master, say it. A certain creditor had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most? Simon answering, said: I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And he said to him: Thou hast judged rightly. And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon: Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house: thou gavest me no water for my feet. But she with tears hath washed my feet; and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest me no kiss. But she, since she came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint. But she with ointment hath anointed my feet. Wherefore, I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less. And he said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves: Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath made thee safe. Go in peace.” (Saint Luke 7:36-50)
Meditatio
Reflect on the passage and consider its deeper meaning.
- Jesus at the Pharisee’s House: Meditate on the context of Jesus dining with the Pharisee. Consider the different attitudes of the Pharisee and the sinful woman toward Jesus.
- The Woman’s Act of Love and Repentance: Reflect on the woman’s actions—washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with ointment. Think about the depth of her repentance and love for Jesus.
- Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness: Reflect on the parable Jesus tells about the two debtors and the lesson on forgiveness. Consider how the amount of forgiveness one receives can affect the depth of one’s love and gratitude.
- Contrasting Reactions: Meditate on Simon the Pharisee’s internal judgement of the woman and Jesus’ response. Think about how Jesus highlights the lack of hospitality from Simon in contrast to the woman’s extravagant acts of love.
- Assurance of Forgiveness and Peace: Reflect on Jesus’ words to the woman: “Thy sins are forgiven thee” and “Thy faith hath made thee safe. Go in peace.” Consider the transformative power of forgiveness and faith.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with heartfelt prayer.
Lord Jesus, I am moved by the humility and love of the sinful woman who sought Thy forgiveness. Help me to approach Thee with the same contrition and devotion. May I always remember the depth of Thy mercy and the magnitude of Thy forgiveness. Teach me to forgive others as I have been forgiven, and to love much, as I have been loved by Thee. Strengthen my faith that I may find peace in Thy words and assurance in Thy grace. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend time in silent contemplation, allowing the passage to penetrate your heart.
Contemplate upon Jesus at the Pharisee’s house, the woman’s heartfelt actions, and Jesus’ compassionate response. Feel the tension between judgement and forgiveness, and rest in the peace that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven by Christ.
Actio
Consider how you can put the insights from this passage into practice in your daily life.
- Seek Forgiveness: Approach Jesus with a repentant heart, seeking His forgiveness for your sins.
- Show Love and Gratitude: Express your love and gratitude to Jesus through acts of kindness, devotion, and service to others.
- Practice Forgiveness: Be quick to forgive others, recognising the immense forgiveness you have received from the Father.
- Extend Hospitality: Show genuine hospitality and care to others, following the example of the woman’s actions toward Jesus.
