Faith in Action

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 cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning towards 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

A woman, who is called a sinner and often branded a prostitute, comes and cares so lovingly for Jesus. The host, and all of his guests had done nothing. Too often, those who have received healing and forgiveness are those who are ready to care for others, to put their faith in action. And too often, those who have been richly blessed, move too quickly to judgement and criticism. Her love and gratitude for God's love, known in Jesus, knows no bounds. May we, like her, put our faith into action, caring for those who need healing, anointing and care.

O loving Creator, whose blessings are unnumbered

your boundless love forgives and heals all who ask

your endless restoration is available for everyone

and no one is outside of your healing and love.

Those of us who have been so greatly blessed

often fail to see the needs of our neighbors

we judge without knowing their circumstances

and do not put our faith in action and service.

Help us, dear Lord, to embrace your forgiveness

keep us humble so that we might see others' need

make us always ready to put our faith into action

and give us your joy as we serve our neighbors. Amen.