Arulvakku

13.06.10 FORGIVENESS…LOVE

  A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee…

 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner." Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.  "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?" Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly."…  (Lk7:36-8:3)

 

 

Jesus was invited by a Pharisee for a dinner. But Jesus met a sinful woman in that house.  How strange!!!. A righteous man allowed a sinful woman to come into his house. Pharisees were particular about the purification laws. Here in this story the Pharisee did not provide for the washing, whereas the sinful woman did the work of purification. Have they changed their roles?

Jesus had always something to tell. He had something even for the Pharisees. A simple and easily understandable parable was given to the Pharisee. He judged rightly and Jesus appreciated the Pharisee. Jesus appreciated the Pharisee when they said things rightly (do what they tell you and do not do what they do). The quantity/quality of love corresponds to the quantity/quality of forgiveness.  Greater the forgiveness; richer the love.


This story brings out certain elements which are important for life. When Jesus is there is no Pharisee or sinful person. They find themselves besides each other. They play the role of the other. They become equal in front of Jesus. (There are no quality/quantity distinctions). Forgiveness brings out the love that is within.