I am examining how Jesus treated sinners ......
"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." (Luke 7:36-47 RSV)
I understand the logic of this. As one who has more deficiencies is more joyful when those deficiencies are lifted.
Made me think of the Great Saints -- Mother Teresa -- John Paul
II...... Do they love less because are forgiven less? Well, as I
understand it, they went to confession weekly.
First, let me
say, that I am not trying to boast, as I first was feeling awkward about
this line. ''Surely those who love God, have such great love for Him
that they abide by His will.'' ......
But, I then
reconsidered, no matter how spiritual we are, we are always through our
nature, sinners. Sinners, Sinners, Sinners as we are in no way
perfect. Not the greatest Pope, not the greatest Saint. We can not
hide from our sins and weaknesses, they are a part of us like skin and
nails.
So then, what are we who feel as though we are not great sinners to do?
Jesus answers us, ''Be forgiven!''
Never think you are sinless, Never think you are perfect.
Pursue the Love of Christ in Confession, as often as you feel in your
heart is right. Maybe it could be good to try to always receive the Eucharist with a
pure heart after Confession.
Love the Sacrament of Confession, it is our way to be forgiven, forgiven, forgiven! So that we may Love! Love! Love!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day (Especially my crew from Cork)
