Who was this woman, seen at the begining of Luke 7:36 – 8:3? She has no name, no future. Society of the time knows her past and present time all too well. She is a ‘woman of the city’, a prostitute. She is a sinner, cut off from respectable, God-fearing people, except possibly for her clients. Many even feel that she is outside of God’s reign of love. They know how God would judge her, and so they do likewise.
Showing much courage, and much determination, she washes the feet of the One she has heard will forgive her, will welcome her. Tears of embarassment mingle with ones of hope, and of joy. Even when Simon the Pharisee debates Jesus, we do not hear that the woman stops. She keeps on serving, beginning to follow, sharing her love in a new way. Finally, she hears Jesus tells her she is forgiven. She goes on her way, in peace.
Jesus tells us today that there is more than enough room in the kingdom of God for all those seeking something more from life, for all those captured by the ways of life, for all those living without hope of love and grace. God sees us, God knows us, God sends us on our way, in peace.
