Semper Fi Simon

An encounter with an American Marine on R & R gives Clay new insight into the story of Simon the Pharisee and the Woman of Ill-repute. "Simon and the woman are usually discussed as two separate entities—one righteous; one unacceptable. Simon holds himself to a higher standard than the rest of society. There are rules to be followed. He is proud of his righteous relationship with God. He knows he is not a bad person. He keeps himself pure and undefiled, as the biblical code requires. The woman, on the other hand, is overwhelmed by her failings. She is painfully aware of how others view her and how she views herself. But as my conversation with the marine progressed I began to wonder if the story is really about two separate people." Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1082.