From the responsorial psalm: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 7:36-50)
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.”
In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume while he is dining at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. The woman stands behind Jesus, weeping at his feet and bathing them with her tears, expressing a depth of contrition. She hears Jesus say the words: “Your sins are forgiven.” The woman’s sorrow for her sins demonstrates profound love and gratitude for the forgiveness she has received. Jesus then explains to Simon that those who are forgiven much will love much. While the other people at the table question who this is who even forgives sins, Jesus says to the woman: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
God, help me leave judgment to you. Help me see my own shortcomings and bring them to the feet of Jesus. Just as the woman approaches Jesus with humility and contrition, give me the grace to approach you with a deepening recognition of my need for your grace. You are not distant, Lord, but very near and within reach. Saint Paul reminds me that Christ entered human history to save us, that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.” Strengthen my faith, Lord; let me know your mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.