Luke 7:36-50 - 8:1-3
Year C -
11th Sunday in ordinary time
"Your sins are forgiven."
 36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table.
37 And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
38 She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him - that she is a sinner."
40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Teacher," he replied, "Speak."
41 "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?"
43 Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt." And Jesus said to him, "You have judged rightly."
44 Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.
45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet.
46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
48 Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49 But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
8:1 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him,
2 as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
3 and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. (NRSV)
Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I had great delight in forgiving the sins of that woman who repented, cared for me, anointed my feet with her tears and kissed them. She came to me because she knew that I was a prophet and came to proclaim salvation; she understood the meaning of repentance and came to see me even though she did not confess her sins verbally. She was acknowledging her guilt in public and before me, she was risking a lot, but she understood that I was the One with the power to forgive sins.
I forgave that woman because she had faith in me, she acknowledged that I was the one with the power to forgive her sins and save her. From that moment on, she became a new person, a new follower of mine.
I invite you in the same way to come to terms with your sinfulness and to come to me openly confessing your guilt.
Rest in me, unload all your burdens onto me, empty yourself of all your sinfulness and find my mercy responding lovingly to your humble attitude.
You show me how much you love me when you acknowledge that you belong to me and need me, when you put your trust in my mercy and surrender yourself totally to me.
I did not come to condemn anyone; on the contrary I came to save everyone, to be your heavenly friend.
I understand your human nature and the weakness of your sinfulness, I ask you to realize that sin is interfering with my loving desire to save you.
I am always ready to respond to your repentance and change of heart. Do not delay, repent now and come running to my merciful heart where you will find peace, love, joy and salvation.
Received by: Joseph
of Jesus and Mary
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