In Luke 7:36-50, an unnamed woman washes Jesus’ feet at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. Drawing Simon’s attention, Jesus asked, “Do you see this woman?” In doing so, Jesus challenged Simon to recognize the woman’s dignity and intrinsic worth as a human being. Jesus asked him to see her not as a problem but as a person. By forgiving her sins, Jesus interrupted Simon’s narrative – a narrative that framed her as unworthy and justified her marginalization. Jesus identified her, not as an object of disdain or pity, but as a model of hospitality and service.
For us, the phrase, “I see you,” has come to mean, “I understand where you are coming from.” When addressed to someone who has been rendered invisible, “I see you,” is a powerful statement that recognizes both the person’s presence and the person’s struggle to be acknowledged.
Jesus’ affirmation of the unnamed woman “at the margins” teaches us to recognize those whose contributions we may otherwise discount.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “All are welcome,” by Julie A. Kanarr in the May 2018 Gather magazine. Today is the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
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