In the gospel reading from Luke, Jesus is at supper at a Pharisee’s home when a “sinful woman” washes and anoints Jesus’ feet. The Pharisee sees this display and wonders how Jesus could allow this to happen. Marylynn Herchline of Ite Missa Est writes that his self-righteous attitude prevents him from seeing this woman as anything but broken and unlovable. The Pharisee seems to illustrate our human tendency to judge others. This self-righteousness prevents us from seeing our own brokenness and need for help. Without this awareness, we are unable to be healed. A recent homily from Bishop Robert Barron reminded me about the 12-step program. The first steps in the program require the admission of helplessness and the necessity of relying on a “higher power” to be healed. Our spiritual healing and salvation require this same surrender. If we are unable to humbly admit our need for mercy, then in some ways, we close off the ability to receive God’s grace. The woman in today’s reading readily identifies the need for forgiveness, and her ability to be open provides her the opportunity for grace that brings healing and redemption. Jesus tells her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” We need God’s grace to find peace, love, and salvation, but God does not force this on us. God patiently waits for us to say, “I need your help!” I believe that Jesus loves both the Pharisee and the woman who anoints his feet. However, the difference in the love that the woman shows to Jesus and the Pharisee’s reception of Jesus at his home is remarkable. She is overflowing with love and gratitude because she has experienced God’s love, acceptance, and mercy. Her humility and faith opens the door for this conversion to occur. Jesus invites us to this same transformation. Similar to the beginning of the 12-step process, we need to understand that we are unable to fix ourselves, and we must rely on the goodness of our God to provide what we need. This faith in God allows us to receive great mercy, which then opens us to the many graces of living in Christ.