The Room Where It Happened

AM Psalm 56, 57, [58] • PM Psalm 64, 65
Wisdom 9:1, 7-18 • Col. (3:18-4:1)2-18 • Luke 7:36-50

Today’s reading from Luke tells the story of “a sinful woman forgiven” and takes place at the home of Simon, the Pharisee. With apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda, I can’t help but wonder what it felt like to be in “the room where it happened,” to have been a guest at Simon’s table when Jesus pronounced this woman’s sins forgiven.

What did Simon think, when he heard those words spoken by Jesus, who seemed oblivious to the reputation of the woman who washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair? Even after listening to Jesus tell the story of the two debtors, did Simon get the message? Would I have understood what Jesus was trying to say?

What would I be thinking and doing if I were in that room? No doubt I would be aware of this woman’s reputation and surprised by her audacious actions. I might have even scoffed when Jesus called out Simon for his poor hospitality. Would I have been among those who asked, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

And I am curious about this uninvited guest. What compelled her to show up at dinner in Simon’s house? Others may have wandered in from the street to see and hear this Jesus, but this woman appears to have other intentions. She did not come to ask Jesus to forgive her sins, but rather to show her overwhelming devotion to this teacher whom she had likely heard speak before, outside these walls. Would I have been so brave?

I wonder if I was that sinful woman, would I have been able to accept Jesus’ comforting words, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace?” What about being a sinful person here and now. Can I accept that my sins are forgiven?

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

...who is eternally grateful for God’s loving forgiveness and prayerful that the grace to be found in forgiving others will continue to be revealed.