The Gospel according to Luke (7:36-50)
A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him,
and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
Now there was a sinful woman in the city
who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.
Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping
and began to bathe his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair,
kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself,
“If this man were a prophet,
he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him,
that she is a sinner.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor;
one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.
Which of them will love him more?”
Simon said in reply,
“The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”
He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon,
“Do you see this woman?
When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet,
but she has bathed them with her tears
and wiped them with her hair.
You did not give me a kiss,
but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
You did not anoint my head with oil,
but she anointed my feet with ointment.
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven;
hence, she has shown great love.
But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The others at table said to themselves,
“Who is this who even forgives sins?”
But he said to the woman,
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Reflection:
If you had come to me about 15 to 20 years ago asking for financial advice, I would have told you to go to someone else. It took me many years to develop an understanding and appreciation for financial matters. However, in my early fifties I started to think seriously about retirement. At that time, we had a significant amount of credit debt. After getting some sound, practical advice from a professional we implemented a financial strategy that would eliminate that debt in about five years instead of the rest of our lives. As we approached the last part of our five-year plan, I could see the debt shrinking at an incredible rate. Once paid off I will never forget how relieved and excited I was that we stayed the course and accomplished our goal.
In today’s gospel Jesus uses the analogy of the weight of debt to explain both God’s mercy and how we are affected when we receive it. I am sure we can all relate to the weight of sin. And I hope we can also relate to that weight being lifted by the mercy we receive when we seek forgiveness, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The last verse is a reminder that our faith in this generous and merciful God is what liberates us from the bondage of sin. What is our reaction or response when we receive this mercy? Are our hearts filled with gratitude? Do we want to get on our knees and pay homage to the Son who came in the name of Mercy? We have all been at this long enough to have experienced the lows of sin and the highs of forgiveness. Are we getting better at expressing our appreciation for the sacrifice of the Father and Son that give us all good gifts including our faith and his mercy? It’s not too late! You have this very moment to tell God what you need to say.
Action of the day:
Review the past few days or weeks and look back at the times you have sinned and asked for forgiveness. If you have not, talk to God specifically about your mistakes and ask him for the grace you need to make things right. Go to confession, ask and or give someone the gift of reconcilliation. May our faith save us so we can enjoy God’s peace and love and serve each other better.
Audio Reflection:
