Lectionary #446. Scripture for 24th Thursday ordinary, Sept. 18,2008

Scripture: 24th Thursday, ordinary time. I Corinthians 15:1-11. Psalm
118:1-2.16-17.28. Luke 7:36-50. Lectionary # 446:

Paul gives us what he has received as the essentials of the Gospel.
They are perhaps the beginning of a Christian creed. Basically, they are
the Paschal Mysteries of Jesus lived and experienced throught the faith
Paul has received and now preaches. "Christ died for our sins in accordance
with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the
third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to
Cephas, then to the twelve." With this statement, Paul has laid the
theological foundation pieces for the Christian faith. The passage will
lead us to understand the mysteries of Christ especially the Resurrection.
Jesus shows us again the compassionate love of God for the sinner.
This time we hear of a woman who has washed Jesus' feet and dried them with
her hair. By this she shows her reverence for Jesus, her love for him, and
the all important signs of hospitality which the owner of the house did not
show Jesus. In fact, Simon who is the host, misjudges Jesus and despises
the woman as a sinner. If Jesus were a prophet he would have not allowed
her to touch his feet! Jesus sees the heart of both Simon and the unnamed
woman, but it is she who is the one who is praised for her hospitable signs
in the washing of his feet and also who will be at peace because of her
profound love and her deep faith. She who loved much is forgiven all of
her many failures. She will continue to love in this new way that Jesus has
shown her and has made her "firm purpose of amendment."
The woman can serve as a good model for preparing for the sacrament
of reconciliation. She offers no excuses for her sins; she remains silent
while Jesus accepts her humble acts of love and her generosity in pouring
oil and perfume on his feet. She neither speaks nor is named by Jesus or
Simon. She does not rationalize away her past acts but just remains there
with Jesus silent, contrite, and humble. We too should not name her or
think she is Mary Magdalene; she is not. She is an image of ourselves when
we are totally open with God in an act of sacramental reconciliation. We
can learn much from this woman and should. Amen.