Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today we hear the familiar story of the sinful woman weeping at feet of Jesus and washing them with oil and her tears. She is described only as a “sinful woman,” but it’s unclear what kind of sin she was guilty of or who she was. St. Luke only describes her as a “sinful woman” that is seeking forgiveness for her sins. In her humility and sorrow for her sins, she approached Jesus in front of everyone present, not caring what other people would think of her. She was only concerned with showing repentance for her sinfulness and receiving forgiveness from the Lord.  She had the faith that Jesus would forgive her of all her sins.

In contrast, we have Simon, the Pharisee, who was not only judging the woman, but judging Jesus. We read, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is touching him, that she is a sinner.” In effect, Simon is condemning not only the woman, but Jesus as well. This Pharisee failed to understand that Jesus was more than a prophet: Jesus was the Messiah, able to bring forgiveness and reconciliation to all people. The woman recognized this of Jesus. She saw him as Messiah, and that he would have the power to forgive her sins and help her develop a loving relationship with God that she needed.

Jesus responds to the Pharisee, pointing out that he failed to show him any respect by embracing him, or giving him water to wash his feet. Jesus goes on to tell Simon, “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love.” Then turning to the woman, Jesus says, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This sinful woman serves as an example for all of us. We know that we can turn to Jesus for forgiveness of all our sins, whether they are great or small. Jesus is there for us to turn to him in the sacrament of confession ready to give us his forgiveness. It is through our faith in Jesus that we, too, can receive that gift of forgiveness for whatever sins we may have committed.

Let us take time to meditate on this gospel and be grateful that Jesus is always there for us in all our needs. We just need to turn to him and show him the same love that this woman showed him. Then he, in turn, will tell us: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”