Devotion for the Friday of the Second Week in Advent

Theme for the week: love

Devotion for the friday of the second Week in Advent (Day 13)

Reading: Luke 7:36–50 (NRSV)

³⁶ 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. ³⁷ 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. ³⁸ 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. ³⁹ 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.” ⁴⁰ Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” ⁴¹ “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” ⁴⁴ 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. ⁴⁵ You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷ 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.” ⁴⁸ Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹ But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰ And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

REFLECTION:

In this Advent time, it may be helpful to reflect on the two-way love shown in this passage from Luke. The unnamed woman in this text knows that she is a sinner. We don’t know what her sin is, although many Bible readers throughout the years have assumed that it is prostitution. Whatever the nature of her sin, it is so obvious and visible that she has been labeled a “sinner” by people in the community. Jesus, as has been the case on so many other occasions, is drawn toward those who are the outcasts and rejects of society. Jesus shows love for those, whom others would consider unlovable and unforgivable.

This woman knows how she is regarded. She undoubtedly knows that her presence creates disgust in anyone whose home she enters. Despite this, she is drawn to the love and acceptance that Jesus offers. Jesus models the forgiving life for us. The unnamed woman, in turn, shows an extreme level of love and devotion for Jesus. This love is free flowing.

Jesus’ love and forgiveness are freely available to you, also, regardless of what you have done. How do you respond to this love and forgiveness? Jesus, is no longer here on earth to receive your return love and acceptance. However, Jesus has told us that whatever we do for the “least of them”, we do for him. Who is the “least of them” for you? Who are you regarding with disdain, discomfort or disgust? Is there someone who has done something that you consider to be unforgivable? In this Advent season, as you look to the arrival of the one who is LOVE, is there someone against whom you are holding anger, disgust or revulsion, or with whom you would like to “get even”?

Considering the love of Christ which flows uninterrupted to your life, is there someone that Christ is calling you to love, accept, and forgive? Picture the love of Christ flowing through you directly to this person, who is the object of your anger, scorn or hate. Picture those negative emotions that you hold toward that person dissolving. Picture the acceptance and reconciliation that could accompany your celebration of Christ’s arrival in this Advent and Christmas season.

PRAYER:

Pray that love of God in Christ Jesus and Jesus’ acceptance of you might soften your heart. Pray that God’s unfailing love for you might transform any anger, disgust, or hate you are feeling toward another person into love and acceptance. Pray that God’s peace might flow into all of your relationships. Amen