Word to the Wise
Sunday, June 16, 2013 - 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[2 Sam 12:7-10, 13; Gal 2:16, 19-21; Luke 7:36-8:3 or 7:36-50]So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Sin and forgiveness are familiar topics to Catholics because of our Sacrament of Reconciliation. The topic is not always a pleasant one, however. Many find it difficult to approach the sacrament because of past bad experiences or because they have doubts about the way in which sin is truly forgiven! I can't say that I blame them. Around the 11th or 12th century, the sacrament took on a judicial tone and became more like a court proceeding than an exercise in mercy. I wish more folks - priests and penitents - would read today's gospel scripture each time before beginning the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I think it would change things a lot.
The woman who approaches Jesus comes in a spirit of love and sorrow. But it is her spirit of love that Jesus calls attention to. Ultimately forgiveness is about love and relationship and not about laws that have been broken. I try to get penitents to think about WHO got hurt rather than what category of action has taken place! How can we love anyone whom we cannot forgive? Jesus responds to the love the woman shows. Forgiveness that is sought in fear brings only relief. Forgiveness that is sought in love brings stronger love. That is the true meaning of mercy. All of us have a lot to learn from this lady and her encounter with Jesus! AMEN