"Her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love."
Luke 7 : 47
Most of the people we meet in the gospels became friends of Jesus, very close friends in fact, and it must be said that not all presented a life that was squeaky clean! We have only to look at Peter who, after Jesus was arrested, denied that he even knew him, let alone that he was his friend, a chosen companion. But after the Resurrection, when Peter had partaken breakfast which Jesus had prepared, Peter proclaimed his love for Jesus. In fact he seemed to be upset that Jesus questioned his love. “Lord, you know that I love you!” The woman in our gospel passage today, must have met Jesus and received his forgiveness. Thus, she could draw near enough to him to show him her love. Jesus does not dwell on our weaknesses. Once we have asked for forgiveness from him it is readily given and we can live with his love and friendship, at the same time being able to show our love for others.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the many times you have forgiven me. Help me to show you the great love this woman had for you. Help me to look after others because of my love for you, and to be ready to minister to their needs. Amen.