Simon the Pharisee hedges his bet on Jesus, albeit cautiously. In case Jesus turns out to be a real man of God, he can say that Jesus was a guest of his household once upon a time.

On the other hand, if Jesus later proves to be unacceptable to the religious hierarchy, Simon can point out that he denied Jesus the honor normally accorded to an esteemed guest.

Jesus himself points this out: Simon did not give water to Jesus for his feet. Neither did Simon give Jesus a kiss nor anoint his head with oil.

The very cautious way that Simon deals with Jesus is in stark contrast to the extravagant homage and welcome given by the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. In the Gospel, the woman is identified to be a known sinner.

This is a terrible judgment to which Simon subscribes, looking down on the woman as a disgrace, somebody with whom Jesus should not identify himself if indeed he were a holy man.

Simon the Pharisee denigrates the woman in order to exalt himself and his group of Pharisees. Jesus calls Simon’s attention to the fact that he could actually do better than what he had so far done for his guest.

Simon ought not to hold back, but only if he learns how to truly love and value his guest, rather than use the occasion to keep score.

First Reading • 1 Tm 4:12-16

Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.

Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 111

“How great are the works of the Lord!”

Gospel • Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus 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.

Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

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 50. 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.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?

When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.

You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.