What sort of attitude do we have towards others? Are we compassionate, loving, forgiving and caring? Or are we self-righteous, thinking that only we are ok and others are not ok? Do we treat people equally, or have we allowed pride and prejudice to creep into our attitude and behaviour towards others? Sometimes we come across discrimination, double-standards, or unfairness towards certain groups. Are we guilty in committing these in one way or another too?
In today's Gospel, we see two contrasting figures: Simon the Pharisee and the woman with a bad name. Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to a meal, and yet his hospitality towards Jesus was minimal. The woman, on the other hand, "waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment." Here we see the judgemental attitude the Pharisee had towards the woman, and to a certain extend, towards Jesus. The woman, on the other hand, sought forgiveness and mercy, perhaps wanting to change or turn over a new leaf. Yet, Jesus showed care and mercy towards the woman, by saying: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
God is ever merciful and loving to all of us. He gives us plenty of opportunities to change for the better, forgiving us for the many wrongdoings we may have committed, just as the woman had been forgiven. Are we too not bound to be just as merciful, compassionate and loving towards others?
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