Redemption

SYDNEY KING RUSSELL

When shadows fell across Capernaum
And peace lay gently on the fragrant air,
Came one who knew the time of rest was near
And sat him down for meat in Simon's house,
Where, as he slowly supped, there fell a stir
Of wonder, and a pause. A woman came,
Not of the caste who sat at Simon's board,
But of a group debarred by Jewish law
From mingling with the Pharisee,—indeed
An outcast to be shunned,—and stood behind
The couch where Jesus rested. Fearlessly
Facing the sneers and jibes of those who watched, She brought to light an alabaster jar
And broke the seal, pouring the fragrant oil
Upon the feet of him who was the Christ,
Weeping the while, and washed them with her tears,
And dried them gently with her flowing hair.

Now when the Pharisee who sat as host
Beheld the deed, he questioned in his heart:
Would not this man, were he a prophet, know
The touch of her, a sinner? So he frowned
And would have bade his servants drive her out.
But Jesus read his thought and, unafraid,
Rebuked him with a chosen parable,
To show that he who loves much is forgiven
Much, and that the Son of man has power
To pardon sins, washed in humility.
The contrite Magdalen he comforted,
And bade her go in peace. But Simon, still
Pondering, could not find a word to say.

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