Our readings today are full of references to posture. In the Gospel, we are told that Jesus 'reclined at meal,' lounging on His side with His feet away from the table. The unnamed woman 'stood behind' Jesus 'at His feet,' on which her tears fall. It is then that we read how lavish is her love - she wipes her tears on His feet with her hair, she kisses His feet and anoints it with oil. It is curious that the Gospel is silent on what posture the woman assumed in order to perform those lavish acts. She must have been kneeling by Jesus' feet. Her bodily posture of kneeling symbolises the spiritual posture of humility. Although the Gospel is silent on the posture this woman assumes to make her love known to Jesus, it presents Jesus' teaching on the relationship of humility to spiritual growth.

Those who are forgiven much are lavish with their loving. But, before receiving forgiveness, there is the prior task of acknowledging that I am in need of God. True humility is to know that I am a loved sinner. And, as St Paul indicates in our first reading, humility links him with the ministry of the risen Christ. Paul declares in humility: 'I am the least of the Apostles.' Acknowledging his undeservedness, Paul tells us how this has led him to cooperate more fully with the grace of Christ.