The
gospel of today, Lk 7: 36- 8: 3, is one of the events exclusively told by Luke.
This Luke’s account of Jesus forgiving the woman is probably modeled on the
narrative of Elisha’s dealing with the indebted woman, cf. 2 Kgs 4: 1-7, and
the Shunammite woman who received the
gift of her son’s life cf. 2 Kgs 4: 8-37.
Unlike
the Old Testament texts with emphasis on external gifts, Luke stresses on the
gifts that are primarily internal; freedom from moral debt, and the granting of
spiritual life.
In
this gospel passage, the woman challenges public opinion. She does not worry
what others may say about her. She wants to show to Jesus that she completely
believes in him. He alone can give meaning to her life and courage her to
change. This is the forgiveness and love of God that creates us anew.
