Dear Brothers and Sisters,

11th Sunday Ordinary Time
 
Today’s scene in the gospel is quite a shocking one. Jesus has been invited to the home of a Pharisee, the very religious laypeople of the day. Simon the Pharisee seems like a curious man; he wants to see if Jesus is the true prophet that the people describe him to be. Simon does not appear hostile to Jesus as the other Pharisees do. Still, it should be noted that he doesn’t show him any particular affection or respect, not even the traditional washing of the feet or kiss on the cheek.

We have to understand that this is a respectable crowd; they are the holy rollers of the day. They are pretty impressed with themselves. If we had to cast the scene in a contemporary setting, where would it be? Would we be there? 

A woman gatecrashes this exclusive gathering with a terrible reputation, to say the least! My grandmother had a word that comes to mind, but you can come up with your own. Can you imagine how she would appear today? What would she look like?

The scandalous figure approaches Jesus, and the “holy” people want to see how he reacts. Their logic is that if he’s a “real prophet,” he will know her “true character” and have no interaction or dealings with her! Thus, their theory is that Holy people should keep their distance from sinful people.

In contrast to Simon’s cold reception, the woman kisses the feet of Jesus, anoints them with oil, and dries his feet with her hair! But, my goodness, can you imagine the gasps? Can you imagine the tut-tuts? How would this be received today?

I imagine there would definitely be photos. There would be texts, emails, social media posts, and it might even make the TV! It would be a scandal. People seem to have an appetite for scandal, even respectable unholy people! Sometimes it seems little has changed in 2000 years.

The challenge is to be holy without being holier than thou. To be holy means that it’s never them and us. We can’t be “holy rollers” pointing our fingers at the sinners but instead always recognize ourselves as sinners in need of conversion. It’s not easy. Have you ever heard yourself say, “I’m not perfect, but at least I’m better than…” Ouch!

Ironically, Jesus is the “true prophet” because he does recognize the woman’s true character. She is a sinner who has experienced genuine sobbing contrition and the desire for conversion. This is not some pious, fake, mealy-mouthed contrition but a passionate change of heart. It’s a heartbreaking and beautiful scene all at the same moment.

Have you ever come before God crying with contrition? Have you ever acknowledged your true guilt without excuses? Have you experienced the tears of contrition and the joy of conversion, of a new beginning?

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.

With Love and Blessings,

Fr Damian
 
 
 

Daily Readings from USCCB