Rule-lovers need narrow channels -
the fewer choices, the better.
Concerned with appearances,
we wear granite masks,
as if daring others to challenge
our piety.
So Simon set Jesus up
by playing at host
but pointedly
ignoring the niceties
of water and oil.
An assembled crowd of fans
hovered in the background,
the shadow people:
extras, nameless and faceless.
Among them was
"a sinful woman" -
one who knew too well
her role and how it had
marked her.
Something alien to the usual
acceptance of her low status
propelled her into the spotlight:
a hunger - too greedy
to be ignored - for just a touch.
Knowing the dirt that clung
to her soul,
perhaps she could not abide
the sight of his
dust-coated soles,
He, who was cleaner than clean
inside.
Coming out of the shadows,
head bowed
and tears flowing,
she was moved beyond shame
to gulping sobs
of hope.
Focused on his feet,
she broke multiple taboos,
using her hair as a sensuous towel,
kissing his toes
and drenching them
with perfume well beyond
her pay grade.
Into the awkward silence
that followed this
audacious act,
Simon sniffed,
passing instant judgement
on the would-be prophet.
Jesus responds with a story
and Simon hears
but comprehends not.
Jesus pushes into his
self-imposed darkness:
"Look at this woman. See her."
Still Simon is blind,
seeing only her past
and missing her heart.
Her gift of gratitude
outshone Simon's
religiousity
for she gave it with a
broken and contrite heart.
The Prince of Peace
offers hope
and new life -
a life free of shame
and full of verdant growth,
where all things
are possible.
