Do you see this woman?
Simon saw the woman as a sinner. So, yes, he did see her, but only her sins. He did not see her as a child loved by God. If Jesus had not been present, he probably would have had the woman thrown out into the streets. Ridiculed her and denied her the dignity of being treated as a human being.
Simon was in a position of authority and power. He either paid to have things done or people were forced to do his bidding. He did not have to ‘see’ them. This is a self-indicting gospel. What people do you choose not to see? Or maybe there are people who do things for you that you do not even know who they are. Let me give you some examples. Do you know the name of the person who delivers your mail? Have you ever met them? Think about the people who deliver other items to your home or business. Whether it is a pizza or office products, they have a name and a family. Or what about the people who pick up your garbage each week? Or clean your office or home on a regular basis?
There are many volunteers at our churches. Do you know who they are?
Becoming Simon is easy. We just assume all these things will be done for us. We do not need to know who they are or what they do. We do not need to be concerned about their families or the trials they face in life. Or do we? Who is forgiven much?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen