deaf

To a prostitute, filthy and ashamed, who wept at his feet and poured out her perfume:

A proclamation of forgiveness in the presence of those who would condemn her, and a promise that her great love will be remembered through the ages. Then, "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

To a woman who had been bleeding for twelve long years, declared unclean and untouchable, rejected and isolated by her community:

A call to emerge from the crowd to be seen and restored. And then, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

To an adulterous woman, judged by Mosaic law to be worthy of stoning, dragged into daylight and exposed in her sin:

A defense before those who would end her life in shame, and a reminder that her sin is no greater than any other. Then, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now, and leave your life of sin."

Thousands of years later, I stand before the same Jesus and wait for words of disappointment, disgust, and a resigned acceptance that is void of delight. Have I been listening to single word he said?

I pray today for ears that hear.