Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lavish
In today’s Gospel from St. Luke (7:36-50), we hear of a woman who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee and shows great repentance and love to Jesus. Forgetting herself and her reputation in the eyes of men, she weeps at Jesus’ feet, kissing them and anointing them. She has no words, only tears and ointment. Her surprising and extraordinary love speaks loud and clear.
Although, the Pharisee doesn’t hear it, doesn’t “see” it. He knew of this “sort of woman,” categorizing her and labeling the occasion as a scandalous sight. But Jesus, who sees this woman for who she really is, overlooks the “sort” and considers her soul.
Well aware of her sins, she must have experienced a great conversion, perhaps having heard Jesus preach elsewhere. And so, she sought him out, disregarding concern for appropriate time or place or manner.
And Jesus handled it well.
For the Journey:
Can you think of a time when you have felt so much love—for a grandparent, a child, even a pet—that you could just “eat ‘em up”? Or maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of lavish love and gratitude. May we be given the grace to have a lavish love for Jesus, who has given us so much.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections