This Gospel story is one of the most “sensual” passages in the New Testament. As such, it is an important reminder of the embodied nature of our Christian faith. It is all too easy and, for many, even desirable, to spiritualize this story. The physical contact between the woman and Jesus can be as scandalous for the modern preacher as it was for Jesus’ host in the story. This woman’s relationship with Jesus involves not only soul and spirit but the body as well.
This embodiment is at the heart of our experience of sacraments. The intimate physical acts of bathing and eating become the primary ways in which the Church encounters the Christ. And yet, as this story so powerfully reminds us, it is not these acts themselves that save us. It is faith in Jesus Christ which provides the context for the Church’s sacramental life and it is this same faith that brings us salvation.
There is so much more to say about this pericope. I am particularly interested in the feminist reading of text. That, unfortunately, will have to wait till another day due to a relentless work travel schedule this week.
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