A tear washed away the past: How does God give us a new beginning?
The Gospel narratives take us to a majestic and moving scene, full of lessons and mercy. A scene of a woman broken by her past, and known in her society for her weaknesses and sins. This woman, when she learned of the presence of Jesus Christ in the home of one of the community’s notables, did not hesitate, nor did her shyness or the harsh looks of the people prevent her from coming to him.
She came carrying a bottle of good perfume, and stood at his feet crying. She did not utter a word, but tears of remorse and brokenness were flowing from her eyes as she washed his feet, then wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with ointment (Luke 7: 36-50).
At that moment, those present were looking at her with contempt and contempt, wondering how a good man could allow a “sinful” woman to touch him! But Christ’s response was an eternal lesson in divine mercy. He did not expel her, did not scold her, or expose her cover. Rather, he turned to her and said with a healing balm to her exhausted soul:
“Your sins are forgiven you… Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Deeper than just the past
In our culture and societies, we often fall into the trap of “stigma.” We beat ourselves up, or others beat us up with our past, until we feel that our old sins have determined our value forever, as if the door to change has been closed. But this great story turns the tables and teaches us very wonderful facts:
- God looks to the future, not the past:Christ did not look at what this woman was yesterday, but rather looked at the sincerity of her repentance at the present moment, and at the pure person she could become tomorrow.
- Brokenness is the key to acceptance:Forgiveness here was not a reward for the great deeds she had done, but rather a response to her broken heart asking for forgiveness. As it is said in the hadith: “Maybe a disobedience that leads to humiliation and defeat is better than obedience that leads to pride and arrogance.”
- Between cover and a new beginning:Christ did not ignore the reality of her sin, nor did he say that sin was a simple matter, but He dealt with the guilty person with the mercy of a doctor who heals wounds. He took away the title of “sinner” from her and instead gave her a guarantee of psychological security and peace, giving her a chance for a new birth.
A call to wash away the burdens of hearts
God, who accepts the repentance of His servants, is extremely happy when they return to Him. This story is whispered in the ears of every person burdened by restrictions, and every heart that thinks it has gone so far from which it cannot return: A single drop of tears from a sincere, remorseful heart is enough to erase oceans of mistakes.
Question for contemplation and contemplation:If God sees every detail of your past, yet still calls you with His mercy…what if He is ready now, at this moment, to turn all the old pages for you and open a bright new page for you? Do you approach Him with a broken heart?