Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
In our current culture, there seems to be a predisposition among people to believe that they are right and have all the answers. This strong individualism and pride can stand in the way of our relationship with God. In today’s reading, scripture reminds us about the importance of humility to open our hearts to God’s mercy and grace. How are we being called to recognize God’s compassion and respond with faith and love?
In the first reading, Paul relates that his preaching of salvation history is completely dependent on God and God’s grace. In his humility, St. Paul recognizes himself as “the least of the Apostles, not fit to be called on Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God.” (1 Cor 15:9) Paul goes on further to claim that it is God’s grace that brings him wholeness and allows him to be effective in his ministry. Before Paul’s encounter with Christ he was leading the charge to persecute any of those who were following the Way. Aware of his failings and sinfulness, Paul finds God’s compassion to be a source of healing and empowerment. This trust in God’s mercy and goodness allows Paul to be an effective apostle who is able to preach the Good News.
In the gospel reading, a “sinful woman” approaches Jesus. She anoints Jesus’ feet with oil, bathes them with her tears, and washes them with her hair. This extreme act of humility is met with judgment and suspicion from the Pharisee who is hosting the dinner. Jesus explains that those who recognize their sinfulness receive mercy and respond in love to the one who has provided the forgiveness. Without the awareness of the need for healing and mercy, there is no opportunity for grace to be effective. It is the women’s faith in God and God’s love that provides her wholeness and peace.
What might humility look like for us in this day and age? Humility in our relationship with God depends on our recognition that who we are, what we have, and all of creation are gifts from God. Unfortunately, our human weakness tempts us to believe that we know what is best, and therefore we do not always choose God’s way. Our pride is a common source of turning away from God or what some people call sin. Within our religion there is a significant emphasis on sin and God’s judgment. On further reflection, I wonder if recognizing God’s abundant love would be a better starting point for our encounter with God. When we humbly approach God in our failings (sins), and we see Jesus as a sign of God’s great love for us, we are more likely to find joy in God’s compassionate response, as opposed to finding fear when we approach the God who is seen as ready to condemn. The image of this loving God gives us hope that despite our brokenness, God longs to forgive us and welcome us back.
Jesus mentions in today’s Gospel that the woman’s many sins are forgiven, and because of this she is able to show great love. We are invited to this same relationship with God, where we can admit that our need for God, express our trust in God’s love, and our open ourselves to receive God’s grace. It is this faith that Jesus says will bring us salvation and give us peace just as Jesus promised to the woman at His feet.
Creator God, Jesus shows us the depth of your love through his life, passion and resurrection. May we turn to you in our weakness and open our hearts to your mercy and grace. Filled with Your Spirit may we bring this love to those around us, we pray in Christ’s name. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline