Thursday 19 September 2024

Today is Thursday the 19th of September in the 24th week of Ordinary Time.

Juliano Ravanello sings 'Sanctus'.

Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Today, we will only hear the scripture through once…

Luke 7:36-50

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.’

Today’s reflection will take the form of imaginative contemplation, (an Ignatian method of encountering Jesus in the gospels). Take your time over this exercise. You might want to pause the recording as you go along, or perhaps listen to it again during the day. Let the scene stay with you for a while.

Picture the scene. Perhaps it’s a stage production, or a painting, or a scene in which you can place yourself. Immerse yourself in any surprises that come your way, the sights, any sounds however subtle, any rich aromas, any array of textures.

You might choose to be one of the characters. Be that character with all its complexities, all its depth of humanity. You might simply choose to be yourself.

What do you notice about the home you are in? The people around you, their clothes, their facial expressions? Take it all in.

The scene opens with a table laid for a meal. How does the table look? Take time to admire it, perhaps even sample something to eat.

Simon, the host, is receiving his guests, Jesus himself amongst them. Watch as he takes his place at the table. How does he move? Talk with people? How do he and Simon converse?

Watch how the woman with the alabaster jar arrives. Notice how she approaches. What does she look like? Do you recognise her? Can you empathise with her, or is she somehow in a place that feels unfamiliar to you? Sit with whatever comes naturally to you. Take in everything about her.

The woman begins to weep. Can you hear her crying? How does that make you feel?

Consider the alabaster jar of ointment for a moment. Take it in… Notice its value. Breathe in its scent. What are your thoughts?

Let the scene unfold. Notice your reaction to everything that plays out in front of you.

Jesus reading Simon’s thoughts. Simon’s facial expression.

Listen to Jesus telling the story that will reveal Simon as he truly is. Listen as Jesus compares the woman’s outpouring of love with Simon’s calculated cold-heartedness. How would you describe Jesus’ tone of voice as he speaks to Simon?

Jesus says to the woman “Your sins are forgiven.” Notice your reaction.

How do you feel having witnessed this scene, perhaps even having been a part of it?

Now, finally, let Jesus turn to you and address you.

In this closing moment, tell Jesus whatever is on your heart. Ask any questions you need to. You might need help to express love. Let Jesus know.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.