Jesus was used to accepting invitations to eat, and not only from “publicans”, but also from the “pharisees”, who were His bitterest adversaries. For example, we read in Luke: “One of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him, and He went into the Pharisee’s house, and took His place at table” (Lk 7:36). (…) During this meal, an event took place that sheds yet more light on Jesus’ behaviour towards poor humanity, made up of so many “sinners” whom the so-called “righteous” despise and condemn. Now, a woman known in the city as a sinner was among those present; weeping, she kissed Jesus’ feet and anointed them with perfumed oil. A conversation then ensued between Jesus and the host, during which Jesus established an essential link between the forgiveness of sins and the love inspired by faith: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much”. Then He says to her: “Your sins are forgiven … Your faith has saved you; go in peace”. (…) Jesus acted in the spirit of a great love for humanity, based on the profound solidarity He felt for those whom God had created in His own image and likeness. What does this solidarity consist of? It is the manifestation of the love that has its source in God Himself. The Son of God came into the world to reveal this love. (John Paul II, Catechesis of 10 February 1988)