GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Jesus, the Woman, the Pharisee: Lk 7,36-50
The Woman
We must begin by noting that it is especially important to read this story on its own terms. Often in the past it has been part of a mis-reading of the story of Mary Magdelene, especially by the Church in the West.
The story of the woman anointing Jesus is told in all four Gospels, though in the other three it occurs just before the Passion and as a preparation for it. Mark (Mk 14,3-9) and Matthew (Mt 26,6-13) have similar accounts and the woman is not named. In John's Gospel (Jn 12,1-8), the anointing is done by Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha. Only in Luke is the woman called a sinner and only in Luke does the incident take place earlier in the Gospel, while Jesus is still in Galilee. There has been though a tendency to identify this woman with Mary of Magdelene who is mentioned just a few verses later (8,2). There is though nothing to suggest a connection between them. Chapter 8 opens with a new time and new places.
The result is that traditionally the feast of St Mary Magdalene (22nd July) includes not only Mary of Magdelene but also Mary of Bethany as well as the woman sinner about whom we are now reading. If however we are to read the Gospels properly, we must keep these three women separate.
Martha we can note has a feast all to herself a week later, 29th July.
Jesus, the Woman, the Pharisee
Coming now to the episode itself, what is the starting point? How does this story pick up themes from the preceeding scene? Note 7,30 as well.
Central to this episode is Jesus' parable in verses 41-42. Consider its purpose
Then, consider the story from the point of view of the three people involved: the woman (note especially verse 47), the Pharisee and Jesus himself?
How does the story end? Note the similar ending in 15,32.
Consider the overall focus of this episode. What conclusions can we draw?
Now have a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The story of the woman anointing Jesus at the end of chapter 7 is the Gospel for the 11th Sunday of the Year.
The long form of the Gospel includes 8,1-3. You can see how that might be a reflection of the comments I made above about the woman.
The Old Testament reading for this Sunday is taken from 2 Samuel 12. Read the passage in your Bible and note the missing verses. If you are not familiar with the story, then you will need to read chapter 11 as well.
There is an interesting parallel between the approaches of Nathan and Jesus - can you spot it?
The psalm chosen is Ps 31 which fits well enough. Can you find the Psalm which is specifically linked by its heading with this episode in the life of king David?
Then go to my response.
We are now ready for the next stage of our reading, an overview of chapter 8.