Examination of Conscience

Simon the Pharisee’s Sins in the Story of the Pardon of the Sinful Woman

A Reflection Drawn from Lk 7:36-50

Observation One:

Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to his home, not out of genuine respect, but to have a big-name guest at his house, to show off, so he might look better in other peoples’ eyes.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Do I invite people to my house under false pretenses?
• Do I associate with big-name people, not because I like them or respect them, but to make a bigger name for myself?
• Do I name-drop important or popular people whom I’ve met or know just so people will think more of me?
• Do I snub ordinary folks?
• Do I avoid the unpopular, the socially awkward, or the troubled so I wont look bad?

Observation Two:

Simon the Pharisee looked down on the sinful woman. 
He thought that she was “The Sinner,” and that he was much better than her.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Am I arrogant?  Snooty?  Stuck up?
• Am I aloof?  Conceited?
• Do I think that I’m better than other people?
• Am I harsh and judgmental?
• Do I fail to give the benefit of the doubt?
• Do I do a lot of finger-pointing?
• Do I have contempt for someone?
• Am I glad to point out the faults of others while I think I’m almost perfect?
• Do I want others to be punished severely while I want leniency for myself?

Observation Three: 

Simon the Pharisee was blind to his own sin.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Am I so proud that I cannot admit my own shortcomings?
• Have I deluded myself into thinking that my own wrongdoing is not so bad?
• Do I have a false or exaggerated sense of my own personal holiness, thinking that I’m a whole lot better than I really am?

Observation Four:

Simon the Pharisee neglected the rules of hospitality and ignored Jesus.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Am I preoccupied with myself and my own needs and wants?
• Do I think that my preferences outrank the preferences of other people?
• Do I fail to pay sufficient attention to those around me?
• Do I fail to extend basic niceties like a smile or warm greeting to other people?
• Do I go out of my way to offer beverages and snacks?
• Am I impolite or rude to my guests?  Am I “snippy” in conversation?

Observation Five:

Simon the Pharisee avoided the sinful woman to prevent getting unclean.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Do I avoid people with problems?
• Do I try to push “dirty people” away from me?
• Am I apathetic about the plight of those facing hardship?
• Am I worried that associating with someone perceived to be “lower” will somehow tarnish my reputation?

Observation Six: 

Simon the Pharisee loved little.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Do I want people to serve me while I do little or nothing to serve them?
• Am I selfish with my money and possessions?
• Do I keep what I have for myself rather than gladly share with others?
• Am I impatient?  Unkind? 
• Do I hold grudges?  Do I try to get even?
• Do I lie or cheat?
• Am I quick-tempered? 
• Do I say mean or hurtful things?

Observations Seven:

Simon the Pharisee listened to Jesus’ words, but he did not take them to heart.

 

Reflection Questions:

• Do I listened attentively to the Scripture texts when they are proclaimed?
• Do I set aside time to read the Bible and reflect upon it on a regular basis?
• Do I implement Jesus’ gospel in my day-to-day affairs?

Observation Eight.

Simon the Pharisee placed no faith in Jesus?

 

Reflection Questions:

• Is my faith in Jesus weak?
• When I’m in trouble, do I fail to turn to Jesus in prayer?
• When I’ve sinned, do I make light of the need for Reconciliation?
• Do I doubt that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins?
• Do I feel that his forgiveness is really not all that important?