EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
Simon
the Pharisee must have been excited when Jesus responded to his
invitation to come and dine at his house. This well-reputed Jesus
interested the Pharisees and Simon presumably wanted to know more about
this man. We are not aware of his motives but it seems like a friendly
invitation on the part of the Pharisee. However, it all went horribly
wrong. Can you imagine the look on Simon’s face when the woman (who had a
bad name in that town) storms into his dinner party and begins to act
extravagantly towards Jesus?
While Simon is aghast, Jesus recognizes His host’s disapproval and the
thoughts running through his mind. Jesus responds to this in His true
prophetic manner by addressing a parable to the host. After posing a
question related to the parable, Jesus commends Simon for answering
correctly. Then He proceeds to attack the Pharisee and his halfhearted
response to the little ones of the Kingdom of God.
First, Jesus rebukes Simon for showing no form of customary foot
washing for his guest, which was proper for any visitor. He then rebukes
him for offering no greeting of peace, the customary shalom. He
performed none of the hospitality rituals known to the Jewish custom
and, for this, the Pharisee is exposed to shame. As for the woman, the
one who had a bad name in town, she acted extravagantly in her actions
by pouring forth her love and respect. To make matters worse for the
Pharisee, Jesus forgave the woman of her sins and she goes in peace —
for she had loved much.
God can never be outdone in His generosity. Our affection, no matter
how extravagant, will never match the love and mercy that God has shown
us in Jesus. St. Therese of Lisieux tells us that God will fill whatever
we give Him. We can bring Him a thimble, small as it is, and God will
fill it with His grace. Or we can bring a gallon drum and God will fill
that, too. The measure we give will be the measure given to us. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: In what ways do you show your loving affection to the Lord?
You are my God. I thank You and I praise You. Amen.
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