Gospel 

Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. 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.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. 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.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a poignant contrast between two individuals: Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman. Simon, a respected religious leader, invites Jesus to dinner, but his actions reveal a lack of hospitality and understanding. The woman, on the other hand, demonstrates extraordinary love and devotion, bathing Jesus' feet with her tears and anointing them with precious ointment.

Simon's thoughts reveal his judgmental attitude towards the woman, questioning Jesus' prophetic abilities because he allows a sinner to touch him. But Jesus turns the tables, telling a parable that exposes Simon's own spiritual poverty.

The parable of the two debtors highlights the transformative power of forgiveness. The one who receives greater forgiveness loves more deeply. Jesus applies this truth to the woman, declaring that her many sins are forgiven because she has shown great love.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own understanding of forgiveness and love. Do we, like Simon, judge others based on their past mistakes? Or do we, like the woman, recognize the depth of our own sin and the greatness of God's forgiveness?

May we be inspired by the woman's example to love extravagantly, knowing that we have been forgiven much. May we also recognize Jesus' authority to forgive sins and his desire to save us.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, acknowledging our own need for forgiveness and love. We confess our sins and shortcomings, and ask for your mercy and pardon.

Help us to recognize the depth of our own sin and the greatness of your forgiveness. May we, like the sinful woman, love extravagantly, knowing that we have been forgiven much.

Forgive us for judging others based on their past mistakes. Give us eyes to see the humanity in those around us, and hearts to love them as you do.

We pray for guidance on how to extend forgiveness and love to others. May our actions reflect your transformative power, and may we be beacons of hope and redemption.

Thank you for Jesus' teaching and example. May his authority to forgive sins and his desire to save us inspire us to live lives of forgiveness and love.

We pray for those struggling with feelings of guilt or shame. May they know your forgiveness and love, and may they experience the freedom and peace that comes from knowing you.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

.+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ