The woman who weeps on Jesus' feet

The poignant account of the weeping woman in St Luke 7 shows us that she knew two things. She knew who Jesus was, her Lord and Master, her Maker in the flesh. So she knew she had no right to be in his presence, much less to be near him. And she also knew herself. She knew, as evidently everyone else knew, that she was a sinner. She knew how miserable she was. Yet she was compelled to draw near, for she knew that in him alone was her rescue and salvation. Contrast this sacred knowledge with the ignorance of the Pharisee and his company here.  They did not know who Jesus was, asking, Who then is this? And  they did not know themselves, thinking themselves better than she. But where do you fit in? You cannot be in the middle somewhere. Either you know what she knew, or you are ignorant. But we do know, do we not? We know that we have not right to be anywhere near this sacred place. And yet we are drawn here because he invites us and draws us to himself. And we, like her, find an abundance of mercy and yet more forgiveness. And as he said to her, so does he say to you. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.  Sermon for Midweek of Trinity XII. The video is here.