11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: C
As we journey through the Year of Mercy, our daily reflections on the Word of God and in the participation of various Sacraments, constantly encourages us to reflect upon the Mercy and the compassion of God in our lives. While we enjoy the Mercy of God, we are also invited to be the agents of God’s mercy and forgiveness to our brothers and sisters of our time.
According to the evangelist Luke the Public ministry of Jesus begins with the proclamation of His mission statement (Lk 4:14-30) that is to bring good news to the poor. This good news had been through curing the sick and the possessed, being kind to women, feeding the hungry, giving hope to the hopeless, forgiveness of sinners.
The Gospel reading today focuses on one such good news to the poor, that is, how Jesus forgives the woman who acknowledged her many sins and thus courageously came forward in the midst of men, to touch and kiss the feet of Jesus.
In the gospel narration it is assumed that the woman has heard from Jesus about God’s offer of grace. Acknowledging her many sins, she has repented. Experiencing so much gracious forgiveness, she is moved to express the great love that wells up within her and, hearing that Jesus has been invited to a banquet, she comes to be with him and present to Jesus some precious, perfumed oil. Because of her gratitude and love for Jesus, she breaks all social taboos by letting down her hair to wipe away the tears. She then anoints his feet with the perfume.
I am sure, at times we all feel the need of God’s forgiveness in our lives. The truth is that God is always ready to welcome us and always wants us to be united with him. This is the prayer of Jesus for all of us, “ Father they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” (Jn17: 21). The moment we turn towards God, he is so happy to welcome us with his open arms. So, let us constantly turn towards our Father, through the worthy celebration of the Sacrament of reconciliation, where Jesus meets us with love, mercy and compassion.
Wish you all a joyous week ahead! God bless
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
