She Loved Much

The Story

A Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to dinner. As the guests reclined at the table, a woman walked in, a woman known in that town as a sinner. Everyone knew her reputation.

She had brought an alabaster jar of perfume. She stood behind Jesus at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and poured the perfume on them.

Simon watched and thought to himself, If this man were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him.

Jesus knew what Simon was thinking. “Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee.” He told a short story: two men owed money to a lender, one owed five hundred, the other fifty. Neither could pay, so he forgave them both. “Which of them will love him most?”

Simon answered, “I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.”

Then Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Seest thou this woman?” You gave Me no water for My feet; she washed them with her tears. You gave Me no kiss; she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet. You didn’t anoint My head with oil; she anointed My feet with perfume.

“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.” And He said to her, “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

Reflection