My Gospel Reflection 1 (Luke 7: 36- 8: 3)

This is the first time I wrote a Gospel reflection. Thanks to the inspiration given by the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord! (Anyway, I'm not that pious or hardworking. As part of the Lectors' Ministry duty, we have to write Gospel reflections for my church bulletin for a month. Since I've written, might as well post it on my blog! :>)

The theme for this week's Eucharistic celebration is the forgiving Christ. Indeed, Christ's mercy is once again manifested in today's Gospel reading. However, I am even more stricken by the courageous acts of the woman. Despite being aware of others' condescending looks on her, she slipped into the Pharisee's house. She wept profusely as she was deeply repentant for her bad life. When her tears dropped on Jesus' feet, she wiped them away with a woman's prized possession - her hair. Then, she kissed Jesus' feet and poured perfumed ointment on them. She was an uninvited guest or might be regarded as a trespasser, but she was doing all the gestures of hospitality that a good host should show for his guest. In contrast, the Pharisee who had invited Jesus to his house did not do anything to welcome Jesus, not even the basic courteous act of washing a guest's feet with water. But this repentant woman risked being accused of showing audacity in her process of seeking forgiveness from Christ. Look, just how determined and fearless she was!

When we commit a sin, do we have the courage to confess to God? Do we dare to seek God's pardon and mercy? Are we just as determined to restore our relationship with God by getting our sins removed or are we still hindered by pride or fear of embarrassment?