THURSDAY 3.9.22: Plant something – Receptive and unreceptive hearts
The woman who “crashed” Simon’s feast had already met Jesus, and he’d forgiven her “many sins” (Luke 7:47). Self-righteous Simon (who felt no need for mercy) was in greater spiritual danger than the grateful woman. Jesus (maybe seeing a farmer hand-tossing seeds) told a parable about four types of soil. It asked his hearers (and us) to ponder what kind of soil heaven’s seed finds in our hearts.
Reflection
Jesus asked Simon a pointed question: “Do you see this woman?” “Simon only saw sin, but Jesus saw the woman and her lavish display of humility, nurture, generosity and love.” *
• How did Jesus’ pointed contrast in verses 41-47 show the spiritual emptiness of Simon’s pious front, fed in part by his culture’s beliefs in male superiority?
• What kind of soil are you, how receptive to God’s transforming grace? Maybe it’s better to ask: as you read Jesus’ description of the four kinds of soil, which aspects of each type can you identify in yourself?
• In what ways does Jesus’ story challenge you to become more open to God’s work in and through you?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you keep sowing the seed of your kingdom even though I don’t always respond to it. Help me always keep the soil of my heart receptive to you. Amen.
* Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, “Portrait” note on “Woman Who Washed Jesus’ Feet” in The CEB Women’s Bible. Nashville: Common English Bible, 2016, p. 1301.