God is Loving and Merciful

By Vicky Lamin Gayang csc –

Readings: 1Cor 15:1-11; Lk 7:36-50

In the gospel today, we see two types of people: Pharisees who consider themselves as righteous and not in need of forgiveness for their sins from the Lord; the other is the sinful woman who had a bad name in society. Having learned that Jesus was eating in the Pharisee’s house, the woman with deep love, humility, and trust brought an alabaster jar of ointment to anoint the feet of Jesus.

As Jesus arrived at Simon’s house, Simon did not give water, but the woman bathed Jesus’ feet with tears. He did not kiss Lord’s feet whereas the woman did not stop kissing. Simon did not anoint his head with oil, but the woman anointed his feet with ointment.

The woman’s loving act is the evidence that she has been forgiven. She recognized her need for forgiveness and therefore, received it totally, whereas the Pharisees did not recognize their need for forgiveness. In our society and community, some of us may be like the Pharisees who never consider themselves as sinners. This attitude makes us closed to God’s unconditional love and grace.

Jesus also notices the act of love of a woman expressed through her gestures of weeping, wiping, and anointing the feet of Jesus signifying her great love and her total repentance. In our life too, both the action of loving and forgiving should go simultaneously. One who is forgiven much will love more and the one loves much will be forgiven. Let us love and forgive one another, for our God is loving and merciful.