Gospel
Luke 7:36-50
36 A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 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. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “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.” 40 Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. 42 Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “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. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. 47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48 He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Historical Background
The scene unfolds in a Pharisee’s home, likely in Galilee, during Jesus’ public ministry. Pharisees were religious leaders who upheld ritual purity. A “sinful woman” entering their space would have been scandalous.
Washing feet, anointing with oil, and greeting with a kiss were standard acts of hospitality—none of which Simon the Pharisee offered Jesus.
An alabaster jar is a costly item, often used to store perfume. Breaking it open symbolized total devotion.
Theological Context
Jesus uses the parable of two debtors to illustrate that those who are forgiven much, love much. : Jesus forgives sins—something only God could do—revealing His divine identity.
Jesus contrasts Simon’s judgmental attitude with the woman’s heartfelt repentance, showing that love and humility matter more than religious status. The woman’s actions are not just emotional—they’re rooted in faith. Jesus affirms, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Learning Lessons
Jesus elevates the marginalized. He sees beyond labels—He saw the woman’s heart, not her reputation.
God values love over ritual. Love flows from forgiveness. Forgiveness is freely given, not earned. True repentance is heartfelt.
Faith leads to peace. We are all debtors in need of mercy. Humility opens the door to healing. Religious pride can blind us to grace. Grace transforms lives.
“At His Feet”
She came with tears, not words to speak,
A heart laid bare, a soul so weak.
No robe of pride, no veil of fame,
Just fragrant oil and whispered shame.
She knelt where mercy met her eyes,
Where judgment failed and love would rise.
Her tears were prayers, her silence loud—
She worshiped Him, not with the crowd.
And Jesus saw what others missed—
A heart redeemed, a soul He kissed.
“Your faith has saved,” He gently said,
And peace became the path she tread.
Lord Jesus,
I come to You like the woman with the alabaster jar—broken, humbled, and longing for grace. You see beyond my failures and welcome me with love. Teach me to love You deeply, not out of duty, but from the overflow of forgiveness You’ve given me.
Help me to kneel at Your feet with gratitude, to pour out my heart in worship, and to walk in the peace You promise. May my life reflect the mercy I’ve received, and may I never forget that Your grace is greater than my sin.
Amen.
Pericope:
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
THE PARDON OF THE SINFUL WOMAN
Luke 7:36-50
Gospel Acclamation
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Co-Pilot
Living Faith Motion
