One of the
Pharisees asked Jesus to share his meal, so he went to the Pharisee’s home, and
as usual reclined at the table to eat. 37 And it happened that, a woman of this
town, who was known as a sinner, heard that he was in the Pharisee’s house. She
brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and stood behind him, at his feet,
weeping. She wet his feet with tears; she dried them with her hair; she kissed
his feet and poured the perfume on them. 39 The Pharisee who had invited Jesus
was watching, and thought, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what sort
of person is touching him; isn’t this woman a sinner?” 40 Then Jesus spoke to
the Pharisee and said, “Simon, I have something to ask you.” He answered,
“Speak, master.” And Jesus said, 41 “Two people were in debt to the same
creditor. One owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other fifty. 42 As
they were unable to pay him back, he graciously canceled the debts of both.
Now, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose,
who was forgiven more.” And Jesus said, “You are right.” 44 And turning toward
the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? 45 You gave me no water
for my feet when I entered your house; but she has washed my feet with her
tears and dried them with her hair. You didn’t welcome me with a kiss; but she
has not stopped kissing my feet since she came in. 46 You provided no oil for
my head; but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 This is why, I tell
you, her sins, her many sins, are forgiven, because of her great love. But
the one who is forgiven little, has little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the
woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The others reclining with him at the
table began to wonder, “Now this man claims to forgive sins!” 50 But Jesus
again spoke to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace!”
+ + + + + + +
Reflection:
Why is it that many of us
are very quick to condemn those who are supposedly sinners? I for one is
oftentimes like that I’m very quick at judging people but on second thought who
are we to judge them? When we in fact are sinners too! We are quick to judge
because we see them as public sinners so we condemn or judge them.
How about the private
sins that we commit? Those sins that nobody else knows except us and God only. Most
of the time those who are self-righteous are sinners too. They only refuse to
admit that they are for they are blinded by the very high esteem that they give
to themselves.
Regardless if we are a
public sinner of private sinner Jesus wants us to have a renewal in our lives. This
we do by means of humbly approaching Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession.
Most of the time repentant public sinners are the most effective bearers of Jesus love and
forgiveness. Why? For the reason that they have nothing to hide anymore they
humbly open themselves to God’s infinite grace, mercy and forgiveness.
Are you a repentant sinner? - Marino J. Dasmarinas
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