Simone the Fariseo, the prostitute and the balm of salvation

Reflections published on the website of the LGBT Cattolica New Ways Ministry association (United States), freely translated by Sabina Mastandrea

In the parable of the Woman who greases Jesus' feet (Luke 7: 36-50), two characters are compared: Simone, the Fariseo, and a bad reputation woman (the prostitute).

Simone, like Fariseo, will certainly have matured a strong theological acumen and a mastery of the Holy Scriptures. It will have practiced a severe car discipline and regularly paid the tenth. The time spent on "to serve"God will certainly have been supported by the respect received as a fearful man. However, he did not "love" God. His hospitality was regardless and his judgment of Jesus contemptuous.

On the contrary, the woman was nameless, burdened by sin and marked by her bad reputation. However, it appears as an example of singular devotion. Read below to find out how the sinner's repentance becomes his balm of salvation.

Luca 7: 36-50

One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Fariseo house and put himself at the table. And here, a woman, a sinner of that city, knew that she was in the Fariseo house, brought a perfume vase; Being behind, at the feet of him, crying, he began to wet them with tears, then dried them with his hair, kissed them and sprinkled them with perfume. Seeing this, the Fariseo who had invited him said to himself: "If he was a prophet, he would know who he is, and what kind is the woman who touches him: he is a sinner!".
Jesus then said to him: "Simone, I have something to tell you." And he replied: "Di 'pure, teacher". “A creditor had two debtors: one had to be five hundred money, the other fifty. Not having to return, he condone the debt to both of them. So who of them will love him more? ". Simone replied: "I suppose both the one to whom he condemned more".
Jesus said to him: "You judged well." And, turning to the woman, he said to Simone: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house and you didn't give me water for the feet; Instead she wet my feet with tears and dried them with her hair. You didn't give me a kiss; Instead, since I entered, she hasn't ceased to kiss my feet. You have not greased my boss with oil; Instead, she sprinkled my feet of perfume.
For this I tell you: his many sins are forgiven, because he has loved much. Instead the one to whom he forgives little, loves little. " Then he said to her: "Your sins are forgiven." Then the diners began to say to themselves: "Who is he who also forgives sins?". But he said to the woman: “Your faith has saved you; Go to peace! ".

Reflections

• Faced with the criticisms about who you are and on your way of making thanks, how do you manage to connect with Jesus? Who or what hinders your path?
• Like an LGBTQ or sympathizing person do you think you have to look for Jesus in unusual places rather than in the classic prayer places? Where did you find the spiritual nourishment to seek Jesus?
• What talents or gifts do you still keep locked up in your alabaster vase? What could be for you an appropriate time to open your alabaster vase and perfume the room with your LGBTQ "Singularity"?
• How do you explain the woman's "tears"? Tears of incredible joy, a sense of divine peace or unspeakable sadness? How does a LGBTQ or sympathizing person make you cry? Who dries your tears?
• What would be some of your debts that God has canceled? How did you get back to your debtors?
• Could the "bad reputation woman" be used as a metaphor for the LGBTQ community? Why or why not?

Prayer

Merciful God, you have forgiven a sins and made of her an example of humility and devoted love. You raised his body, alleged sinner, and you judged him worthy of blessing you. Granting her to sprinkle with perfume you ordered him priest among men.

It continues to raise our LGBTQ family since even if we could be judged to "bad reputation" in the eyes of many, we know we have a special place next to you. That they can, our particular love and our perfumes, attract others to you so that they can experience your mercy and the faith that saves. Amen.

As well as the unknown woman who fills the room with an exquisite perfume while washing the feet of Jesus, in the video of the song below, Lillie McCloud, fills the room with his voice in a laid praise to Jesus. Singing "Alabaster Box"McCloud, an American Rhytm and blues singer pour his love as an oil from a broken alabaster vase.

Original text: The Oil of Gladness