Readings: 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Ps. 111:7-8, 9, 10, Luke 7:36-50
“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
In today’s Gospel passage, we encounter a woman who received forgiveness of her sins as a reward for her act of humility and love. She had a bad reputation in the community, to the point where she was referred to as a “sinner.” Words were not enough to express her contrition, so she cried. She wet the feet of Jesus with her tears and used her hair (her pride) to wipe them. Then she brought out her alabaster flask of ointment to anoint the feet of Jesus.
If we were to analyse step by step the action of this woman in this Gospel passage, we would see that each time we make a good confession, we are basically doing the same thing this woman did. Firstly, this woman recognised the divinity of Christ. To make a good confession, we must first see Christ in the priest. Secondly, she came to Jesus publicly. We must be humble enough to approach the priest for confession rather than stay in our rooms. Humility is an essential step to receiving forgiveness of sins.
Thirdly, she was sorry for her sins. The foundation of a good confession is sincere sorrow for our sins. Fourthly, this woman poured an expensive ointment over the feet of Jesus. This was her penance, her sacrificial offering to God. Jesus said to her: “Your sins are forgiven.”
What if I stay in my room? Will God withhold his forgiveness from me? Of course, God will never withhold forgiveness from a humble and contrite heart. Sacramental confession is taking a step further. It makes you accountable to someone. If you really want to overcome sin, you cannot do it alone. You have to journey with someone. Similarly, if you are sick with a disease, you should consult a doctor.
Even the very act of narrating your own sins forces you to look inwards. Healing begins by acknowledging your faults and recognising the areas you need to work on to become a better person. Don’t be shy. The priest never remembers your sins. Not even God remembers them afterwards. Once you confess, you become a new creature. Old things have passed away.
The Pharisee who hosted Jesus condemned the woman in his mind. Luke tells us that he only spoke to himself, but because Jesus is God, He heard what this man was thinking in his heart. This reminds us that we can never hide anything from God. Jesus spoke directly to him, explaining the woman’s actions with the parable of two debtors. No doubt, he who is forgiven more always loves the more. Do not be afraid of forgiving one who has hurt you; believe that people can change.
Jesus did not deny the fact that this woman was a sinner, but He was willing to forgive her for her act of contrition. To receive God’s forgiveness, we must first admit our faults. Stop pretending to be a saint when you know you aren’t; go down on your knees and beg for God’s forgiveness. Go and confess to a priest. Humiliate yourself before God, and He will lift you.
The condemnatory attitude of the Pharisee reminds us of what Jesus said, “The people of this generation are like children in the market. John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they called him a demon.” He came eating and drinking, and they said, “He is not even a holy man; he allows a woman to touch him and wipe his feet with her hair in public.” Once again, we learn that no matter what we do, people will criticise us.
Do not live your life like an actor on stage trying to please the audience. For instance, don’t mind those who conclude you are a womaniser just because they see you standing with a woman in a public gathering; be concerned only about doing what is right in God’s presence.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the humility to approach you in the sacrament of confession. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Ps. 111:7-8, 9, 10, Luke 7:36-50)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu