HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY FOURTH WEEK
IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
(1 Timothy 4:12-16, Psalm 110:7-10, Luke 7:36-50).
The merciful nature of God is beyond measure. God does not judge us for our mistakes, He embraces us and offers us another opportunity to make a new decision. It is the nature of human beings to judge and condemn but it is the nature of God to forgive.
The wonder and awe that the people manifested at the forgiveness of the sins of the woman, who was considered a sinner has something to teach us about the merciful nature of God. It should help us to examine our own attitude towards others as against the treatment God offers to those who sin against Him. In today’s gospel, Jesus offers forgiveness to a woman who was known for adultery and prostitution. Jesus demonstrates his love towards this woman despite her being a sinner.
In the gospel, a Pharisee invited Jesus to share in his meal at his house, but a woman came to Jesus with a jar of oil. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses 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 this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has. Jesus did not judge nor condemn her but taught the people a serious lesson and saying to the woman “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:36-50).
We need to continually foster within ourselves the same amazement at God’s mercy that these people had and learned never to take forgiveness for granted or to see it as just one more normal part of life. Rather, we must see it as extraordinary, ever new, ever glorious and forever awe inspiring.
Forgiveness is an act of love, as it helps to overcome bitterness and hatred. A person who forgives truly loves much. Many times, we condemn people because of their actions and find it hard to condemn ourselves first. We praise ourselves as better than others, because we have not been caught in the act of our sins.
Forgiveness helps us to change the way we see and feel about others. It helps us to overcome our negative emotions like resentment and vengeance. God forgives us through His Son, Jesus, to allow us to enjoy a relationship with Him. Forgiveness cannot be granted without giving, and it is a choice to love regardless of the other person’s actions.
If we have received forgiveness from God through Christ, we must love much by forgiving others because forgiving others shows God’s presence in us. The gospel today calls us to reflect on our attitudes of judging others and to allow God’s forgiveness to take its course rather than condemn people. Peace be with you.
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