LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
If I Don't Love Him Enough...
"Which of these will love him the most?" (Luke 7:42).
The Pharisee has invited him to his house, and, to the surprise of many, Jesus has accepted. The Pharisee is curious to meet the prophet who is talked about so much, and in such a controversial way. As the occasion justifies it, he invites his friends to share that moment with him. However, his affection for Jesus does not go that far. He does not wash his feet or kiss him. There is not the brotherly affection of the pious Jew toward one who has a common faith, a common calling, a common ancestry. Nor is it a respectful acknowledgment of the prophet of God. It does not go beyond a merely courteous reception.
The Lord ignores the small grievance, for he is accustomed to greater ones. But then the unexpected happens: a sinful woman sneaks in and stands behind Jesus, who is leaning at the table. The presence of the woman in that home is daring. (There are moments when we forget everything, when shame vanishes at the sight of the One who attracts and subjugates us). And then she performs, in silence, a strange ritual: she waters the Master's feet with tears; then she, as if frightened, dries them with her hair, kisses them and anoints them with ointment.
Everyone notices the act, and she makes them uncomfortable. They whisper reproachful words in each other's ears. Jesus, on the other hand, lets her do it, also in silence. Then the host Pharisee conceives thoughts of judgment towards the Lord ("This man, if he were a prophet..."). He thinks Jesus accepts her because he doesn't know what kind of woman she is.
Then Jesus takes the floor and gently rebukes him. He tells her about two debtors, and then depicts her lack of love. The woman knew she had been forgiven, and she had come to show her gratitude. Surely on a previous occasion, she had heard her words of grace like heavenly music, like angels' song. Instead, the Pharisee did not love Jesus even enough to honor him with the gifts of warm hospitality.
How many times have we been like the Pharisee, receiving the Lord with a forced affection that is not enough to be love! For the Lord he does not count for anything other than this: Do we love him more? (That is why Peter will be asked later: "Do you love me more than these?"). "Which of these will love him the most?". Jesus asks about forgiven debtors. Nothing else matters, but the love that forgiveness has generated in the heart.
Let's be sure: if we are not loving you enough, someone else will love you more. The Holy Spirit will touch the heart of another – to our chagrin, more vile than we are – and will bring him/her to Jesus. Perhaps he is an ex-prostitute, a convict, a failed youth, or a prodigal son. In the list of God's favorites he counts no other consideration than this: who loves him the most.