GOSPEL
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She 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.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both. Which of them will love him more?’ ‘The one who was pardoned more, I suppose’ answered Simon. Jesus said, ‘You are right.’
Then he turned to the woman. ‘Simon,’ he said ‘you see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?’ But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’
Jesus greatly values the loving gestures of the sinful woman, recognising her faith through these acts and saving her. How important details are to the Lord! It’s essential to care for the liturgy and to show deep respect in His presence.
The same is true for the details exchanged between spouses. God Himself is attentive to His Bride. As Ezekiel 16:10-12 states: “I clothed you with embroidered garments, gave you sandals of fine leather, wrapped you in fine linen, and covered you with silk. I adorned you with jewellery: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. You adorned yourself with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth.”
As Saint John Paul II said: “The good that one who loves creates, through their love, in the beloved.” Let us be considerate towards our spouses and show them many loving gestures, for those who pay attention to the little things are those who love deeply, and this is the word of God.
Applied to Married Life:
Laura: When we were dating, you were so much more thoughtful with me. I felt important to you, but now you seem distant and speak to me harshly. What has happened? Have you stopped loving me? Do I no longer matter to you?
Harry: You’re right. I’m sorry, Laura. I’ve been focusing on other responsibilities and have forgotten to show you that you are the most important person in my life. I promise that from now on, you will once again be the centre of my attention.
Mother,
With all the attention You give us, how can we not learn from You? We promise to strive to show our spouses the same thoughtful gestures You would have for them. Just as God cherishes us in Heaven, so should we cherish one another.