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"Validated" Sherry Lohman - June 13, 2010 Luke 7:36-8:3 It may seem to you that we just read this scripture, not so long ago. Actually, we did read a similar story from John's Gospel, just before Easter. But it's a different story. We know the characters in John's Gospel: it was Lazarus' sister, Mary, who anointed Jesus before he was taken away, soon to die. In today's scripture from Luke's gospel, it is a different woman who anoints Jesus' feet. We know her, not by name, but by definition: "sinner-a woman of the city." She had heard that Jesus was dining with the Pharisee, Simon, and so she made her way there, unannounced and most certainly, not invited. Meals, in Jesus' day, carried more significance than simply nurturing or filling one's stomach. They were formal, tending to matters such as, who eats with whom, where one sits, what one eats, how the food is prepared, and what utensils were used./ But perhaps more relevant than anything, meals were eaten with others who shared ideas and values, and kept within their own social standing. Simon, a Pharisee, keeper of the law, has invited Jesus to his home for a meal. Extending the invitation implies that Simon perceives Jesus as his social equal. Simon is comfortable with this. From his perspective, Jesus stands within the safety net of his own social standing. It's not unlikely that Simon has been entertaining thoughts of the conversation he might have with Jesus. Together, over a glass of Chardonnay, they might explore the implications of a specific law, and how it might impact the faithfulness of the community. It's a fair guess.// But I'm getting ahead of myself. First, Jesus, along with the other guests, would arrive at the home, remove their sandals before entering, and proceed to the area where they would eat. If you like breakfast in bed, you might have liked the dining arrangements, in Jesus' time. Dinners were served around a low table, with mats or couches surrounding it on three sides, where guests could recline for the meal. But, even before the meal, servants would appear with fresh water for the washing of the guests' hands and feet, followed with ointments-a sort of deodorant, to cover body odor. This was standard procedure. It appears, though, that the preparations on this particular evening were not quite in place. Jesus has entered and reclined, when in walks this woman-the sinner, with no name. She carries an alabaster jar of ointment. Without pause, she begins to bathe Jesus' feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. She kisses his feet; anoints them with ointment. Has anyone ever kissed your feet?/ (Last Maundy Thursday, a small group of us gathered here for a Seder's meal, and afterwards, we washed each other's feet). This woman's tears and kisses are ambiguous. We can't be sure what they mean. This woman, the sinner, with no name, may be expressing her joy, sorrow or even repentance. People in the community know of her---they may not know her by name, but they know what she's about. It sounds like it might be prostitution---but it could be anything./ We're going to do a little exercise, here. For the sake of making this completely personal, I want you to consider your own worst sin; whatever it is you think is unforgiveable. I won't ask you to name it, write it down or share it with anyone else (not that you would!). But let's just think for a moment-what is it-the most sinful thing you have ever done? Now, project that unmentionable sin on this woman so that she wears all of our sins. Perhaps the weight of guilt and shame of the sins upon her drags her to the ground. She's just this mass of nothing-worse than nothing because of the sin. She is not worthy.// Ok, now, scripture allows us to peek inside Simon's (the Pharisee's) head. We know what he's thinking. He hasn't said anything, outright, but he's taking this all in-it's happening right before his eyes; in his very house! This woman, this unclean woman, this sinner with no name, is touching Jesus. We're not sure who he is more surprised with....the woman, or Jesus. He begins to question,-not the woman's actions, but Jesus' judgment. Suddenly, Simon begins second guessing himself. Before this all happened, he believed he and Jesus were on the same social ladder....but now, he was having misgivings. You know how it is when you've met someone. In time, you think you have them figured out, and then---then something happens, and you see a whole other side of them that you didn't know, and it changes your perception of them. And while Simon was watching, speechless, trying to figure this all out in his mind Jesus calls to him. "Simon, I have something to say to you."/ When was the last time your spouse, parent or employer began a conversation with those words? You know something important is coming, don't you. It's not just friendly chit-chat. You need to sit up and pay attention. "Simon, I have something to say to you."// We have to hand it to Simon. He remains respectful to Jesus and invites him to speak. So Jesus shares with him the parable of the creditor with two separate debtors; one who owed him five hundred denari, and the other who owed him fifty. The generous creditor cancells both of the debts. "Who," Jesus asks, "will love him more---who will be most grateful for this cancelled debt."/ Simon knows. Naturally, the one with the greater debt. Suddenly, Jesus' words make things crystal clear for Simon. This woman, this sinner with no name....this sinner who carries all of the sins upon her back...even your worst sin; any unspeakable sin....it's all there...this enormous debt. It's wiped away-forgotten./ Forgotten by the creditor. But you think she isn't aware of what's been done for her? Have you ever owed anyone anything significant, whether it's money or an apology, it's not something you easily forget about, is it? The generous creditor in the parable says forget it. You owe me nothing. Neither of you; the small and the large debt has been cancelled. The slate is wiped clean. Now, who do you think is most grateful? "Therefore, I tell you, this woman's sins which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Maybe for a second time that evening, Simon was left speechless. To him, it must have seemed like all of the rules had been thrown out at this dinner. He was a good man, a Pharisee, validated in the community. Life seemed fairly predictable. Why wouldn't he be rewarded for living according to the laws?/ Then, in walks this woman, the sinner with no name, and everything he counted on was now turned upside down by God's unconditional GRACE./ Grace messes everything up! / See what a mess we can make of things---but look! Look at what God can do! See how great our God is!/ Others at the table began speaking in hushed tones... "Who is this guy, empowered with forgiveness?" Jesus blesses the woman, validates her worth, tells her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." Maybe he walked out with her. We don't know. What we do know is that God's grace changed lives that day, for Simon, his guests and the woman-the woman with no name-the sinner (NO! the forgiven woman, the woman Jesus validated and blessed, the woman who loved, the woman who wept, the woman who kissed and anointed Jesus feet, and dried them with her hair). Our scripture ends with the beginning of a new chapter; new beginnings; chapter 8. Listen again: "Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: (Take note-God's grace has been at work...things have changed....these women have names).... Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. So you think you're a sinner? So am I. God's grace is abundant. God loves you, as you are. You are worthy in God's eyes. Accept God's grace, and be thankful. Amen. |