“Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. // Luke 7:40

“Gina! Wait. I forgot to give you the homework . . .” The final school bell had rung and I was already down the steps nearing the sidewalk, arm in arm with one of my best friends. Dread and aggravation rose inside. I wanted to ignore that voice, avoiding the teacher of one of my least favorite high school classes. If I remember correctly, my friend and I kept walking, pretending not to hear. 

Simon, the Pharisee in today’s Gospel, responded to his teacher much differently than I did as a teen.

“Tell me, teacher” (Luke 7:40).

Maybe Jesus broke the silence as they watched the woman anoint and kiss His feet (see Luke 7:38), or maybe Jesus’ voice carried over the sounds of servants serving food or other guests chatting. Either way, Simon heard the Lord, and responded.

I wonder how Simon felt when Jesus directly addressed him during the meal. Perhaps a twinge of anxiety tightened in his chest, or perhaps Simon eagerly awaited words to affirm his judgy inner monologue about the woman. Did Simon respond out of politeness while continuing his interior criticisms, or was he filled with anticipation, ready to receive what Jesus had to say to him?

As much as I’d love to know the ending of Simon’s story, the Gospel reveals little about whether his heart softened or whether he dug in his heels with a bitter heart when Jesus forgave the woman’s sins.

My curiosity about Simon in this story turns a mirror on myself. In place of Simon’s name, today I hear my own. 

Gina, I have something to tell you.

Every day the Lord has something to tell me—and you. He speaks through His Word in Scripture, through people around me, even through nature.

I try to listen, but I sometimes still avoid Jesus’ words, just as I avoided my Physics teacher. Some days, I tune Him out; some days I neglect my prayer time and don’t even hear His voice.

Today, I’ll start over. When Jesus calls me, I’ll listen. Tell me, Teacher. Soften my heart to Your words.