“As she stood behind him at his feet weeping,
she began to wet his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair,
kissed them and poured perfume on them”
(Luke 7:38)
Reflection:
Sometimes all that we have to offer Jesus is our tears. But they can be the most precious gift of all.
This was a woman who had ‘lived a sinful life’ and was known to the religious community. Here was another outcast who found in Jesus something to live for. Faced with failure, ostracism and shame there was yet one person who did not turn His back on her and shrink away from her touch. And so she wept for who she was and for the hope and acceptance that she found in the Lord.
Jesus was well able to read her tears, and the heart from which they flowed. His warm and generous acceptance of her ministry would have drawn her even further into the healing reality of His love. And whatever the reaction of the religious and secular community might afterwards have been she would always have this to hold onto and treasure within her – Jesus had not turned her away.
Nor will He turn us away when we weep before Him in horrified shame, desperate agony or aching loneliness. His desire is that we should find the wonderful reality of His healing, accepting and reviving love – and receive from Him the reason and strength to live.
Response:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus You do know my fears and anxieties, my past and my present. Thank You so much for Your wonderful love that continually draws me to You to be cleansed, refreshed and strengthened in new hope. Amen.
———————
The Soaring Eagle 