Word to the Wise
Thursday, September 18, 2014 - Thursday in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Cor 15:1-11 and Luke 7:36-50]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. [Luke]
SEPTEMBER 18 - ST JUAN MACIAS O.P. - Dominican friar
This is one of the most powerful scenes in the New Testament. Jesus goes to the house of a Pharisee. He is not given some of the basic welcome that might be expected by a guest. I'm not sure why that happened but we learn about it when the woman interrupts the meal with her incredible gesture. Jesus knows that she is forgiven, and the woman knows that she is forgiven, but the Pharisee and all the other guests are left amazed and scandalized because of her behavior and because he accepted it! Then Jesus makes the claim to forgive the lady in public.
What is our reaction to God's forgiveness? Is it merely relief on leaving the confessional? Are we quick to share that forgiveness or make it known? Are we scandalized that someone whom we regard as a "sinner" can be forgiven by Jesus? This lady and Jesus' reaction are worthy of great thought on our part. AMEN