Luke 7:36-50

Gospel Reading

Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house, and took his place at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “What is it, Teacher?” “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Reflection
What fuels the love that surpasses all other loves? Unbounding gratitude for sure! No one who met Jesus could do so with indifference. The power of extravagant love and gratitude signals humility to accept that we are weak and prone to sin. When one bows down to Jesus and acknowledges sinfulness the power of Satan that leads man to darkness will surely be overpowered. Love defeats hate, humility defeats pride, and Jesus defeats all forces of evil. With God’s loving mercy forgiveness is granted to those who accept Him.

LGP
Our founder St. John Baptist De La Salle lived a life of humility during his time. This is clearly manifested in his prayer and meditations. He acknowledged Jesus as the source of everything he had. Jesus is the source of His strength to continue his mission for the poor children of France. Now, as followers of our founder we are asked to also live a life of prayer. We also have to be humble to accept that we can not do everything if we do not have the power of faith in God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, your grace is sufficient for us. Fill our hearts with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to us. Give us joy and freedom to love and serve others with kindness and respect. Live your life in us so that we may always acknowledge you as the source of our strength. Create a heart in us like what you have so we may love you in our service to other people. We make this prayer in your Mighty Name with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, Amen.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Value: Nurturing Service (Zeal for Service)
Culture Theme: We give selflessly and receive graciously.
Productivity Theme: Going the extra mile.
Week 3: We value and engage in Lasallian formation programs.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved date, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/
DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved date, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

(Prepared by: Neil Stephen Benter)