GRATITUDE TO THE MAX
The woman expressed her gratitude for Jesus’ mercy by anoining and kissing His feet. It may seem excessive, but if I were in her shoes and my sins have been forgiven, I would be just as overjoyed. This woman is honest enough to see that she has received a magnificent gift and she wants to express it as best as she can.
Do we truly understand the gift of salvation and the utter gratuitousness with which Jesus ministers it to us? Do we deserve to have our sins forgiven? No. Can we earn forgiveness for our sins? No. Is there any way of manipulating God into forgiving our sins? No. God’s forgiveness is a precious gift. The best thing we can do is accept it humbly and do the best we can to overcome our sinful ways. The greatest thanks we can give Jesus is to live a sinless life.
Unfortunately, this is a difficult goal to attain, and inevitably we sin again and stand in need of His forgiveness countless more times. Let us take this opportunity to understand the gratitude the woman has for Jesus’ forgiveness and challenge ourselves to develop something similar ourselves. It is not easy to humble ourselves before God and admit our need for His mercy and love, but it is the most freeing thing we can do. It is the necessary beginning for the reception of life-transforming grace in our lives—something I am sure we are all eager to receive. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------
Are you willing to humble yourself before God and ask for His mercy? Are you willing to be more humble and accept His forgiveness as He ministers His love and compassion in your life?
Holy Spirit, help me to open my life to the transforming power of God’s grace so I can grow as His disciple. Amen.
Today, I pray for: _________________________
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