Shown Great Love

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50

How we care for one another really matters. These days, my view is often from a wheelchair, entering a building with my husband's kind help. Many folks don't even notice that we are there or they think we're not their problem. Others rush to help, to hold doors open. to make life a little easier. Thier kindness makes all the difference. Those who show great love to a stranger, change the world. The woman who anointed Jesus with her tears is remembered throughout the ages. She is an example for all of us since none of us is perfect, and all of us need great kindness and love.

Loving Creator, source of love eternal

you give us hearts that can love so greatly

and hands that can tenderly help others

and eyes that can see you in each stranger.

We often busy ourselves with distractions

so we don't have to see the need around us

we protect ourselves and hide ourselves

so we don't have to be servant to strangers.

Let us use the hearts and hands you gave us

help us to see the needs around us daily

let us be ready to show great love always

so your love shines forth in this needy world. Amen.