Jesus, Simon the Pharisee and a Woman: 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Listen to the homily here.

Notes:

This time of the year, there are many Graduation Parties

·      Family, friends, relatives, teachers, coaches

·      I remember that when I graduated some people showed up—without being invited!

·      Some people I didn’t even like

This weekend we heard in Luke 7:36-8:3—a big party

·      Simon the Pharisee

o   Big dinner

o   Invited Jesus to this feast

o   Was Jesus a friend?  Family?  Relative? 

o   No…probably Simon had curiosity about Jesus at this event

·      And then there was a woman—no name—no invite

o   This is what we heard: “Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.  Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.”

o   Now, could you imagine that this happened at a graduation (or wedding) party today?

·      Simon thought: “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner."

Jesus—not the center of the party—not Simon.  Jesus taught many people there…especially the “boss”

·      Jesus said: "Do you see this woman?  When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.”

And then, Jesus forgave her sins!

Also, Jesus put Simon on his head:

·      He spoke to a woman

·      He taught to Simon—not the other way

·      He spoke with someone “outside” of Simon’s group

·      He forgave her sins

This week, imagine your own party, your birthday, your wedding, your anniversary

·      Who would be like—Simon or this unnamed woman?

·      Or, in another question: how would Jesus visit your party?