Great love

Readings for Thursday September 17, 2009

First Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111
Gospel: Luke 7:36-50


But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:47-50)

In today's gospel, we read of the woman who bathed Jesus' feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with oil. This is such a beautiful account of such a loving act. The pharisee, with whom Jesus was dining, was very confused. He did not see the act of love and forgiveness, only what was visibly before him. He couldn't see past her sins, to see that she, like him was a person who wanted and was in need of forgiveness. Jesus however saw something else, He saw her heart. Jesus saw love in her heart, love that prompted her to bathe His feet and anoint them with the precious oil. Her love for God was so great that she was not afraid to act on it, no matter how it made her look or no matter what the outcome. This woman had a great love, which gave her the courage to act on it.

Today ask yourself this question: Is my love for God so great that I am willing to act on it? We would all do well to take a lesson from the woman in today's gospel.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we love you, help this fire to increase in us. Help us to understand that all that we have comes from you. Lord, we thank you for your great mercy and forgiveness, may we also go out and forgive those who do us wrong in our lives. We pray for all those who are in need of conversion, may they be brought to your love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.