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Forgiven, for she loved

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Thursday of 24th week in Ordinary time, 2021

1Tim 4:12-16

Ps 111

Luke 7:36-50

Memorial of St. Cornelius, PP & St Cyprian

 

Forgiven, for she loved

 

Dear friends in Christ, there are times when people fail to see the other person’s sense of true sorrow. There are times when the efforts others are making at changing their ways look superficial or a pretense. True sorrow for sin and works of love to remedy what has been damaged in the relationship is more important than anything else. 

In today’s first reading (1Timothy 4:12-16) Paul reminds Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but set believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Timothy was still quite young but with responsibility as a Bishop. He must take progress in his own spiritual life seriously and by that encourage his flock in virtues. Same applies to the leaders of today.  The fear of God must guide the care of the flock.

In today’s gospel (Luke 7:36-50) we have the encounter of a miserable sinner who came to appreciate the forgiveness of God by showing it forth as love. A woman who was a known sinner in town made her way into the Pharisee’s house when she knew Jesus was there. All she did, “standing behind at his feet, wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Some of those who were there had wild thoughts, “If he were a prophet he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him…” How unfortunate the thoughts of many. But Jesus addressed Simon his host, a Pharisee who had invited him to dinner and most likely watching him to see what charges to bring against him, and who had likely deliberately allowed the woman in to trap Jesus, “I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss…you did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much…” The Pharisee deliberately avoided giving Jesus the necessary welcome of a visitor; for him, he sees nothing more than a man to be trapped. But in his house is an acclaimed sinner who turns everything around, wept for her sins and for that received justification. Do not busy yourself judging others. How right are you with God?

 

Let us pray: Lord, you forgave her many sins for she loved. Help me to love just as you have loved me. Amen. 

+Remain blessed

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