In today’s Gospel reading, we observe a sinful woman’s grace-filled and beautiful act of humility. When the Pharisee Simon objects, Jesus gives him what I imagine to be a steely yet kind stare, and then shares the parable of the two men in debt. After Simon responds to the parable correctly, Jesus turns back to the woman and reviews all the things she has done for Him while pointing out all the things the Pharisee—an apparently holy man—has not done for Him since Jesus’ arrival. As opposed to merely considering the labels of others, such as “sinner,” Jesus considers the acts and the heart from which these acts stem. This woman’s acts, despite her sinful past, allow Jesus to tell her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). We learn a key spiritual insight: when we are humble enough to receive Jesus’ forgiveness, we become capable of loving better.

As a recovering addict, I can relate to the woman in the reading. For the most part, people around me did not know of my alcoholic addiction. There were times when I would confess that I was drinking too much to a priest but then I would have a drink as soon as I got home. When I would visit the doctor’s office I was never honest about how much I drank. Eventually, I became so sick from drinking that I lost my liver. I was lucky to receive a transplant, but I wonder how much pain and suffering could have been spared if, like the woman today, I had simply been more willing to admit to my drinking with humility and love and enter recovery. Let us pray that no matter how sinful our past, we might be like the woman in today’s Gospel reading who seeks Jesus’ forgiveness with humility. And after receiving His forgiveness, let us pray that we can show much love to all of those we encounter in recovery.

Reflection Questions

• Do you relate more to the Pharisee or the woman in today’s Gospel reading? How has your recovery played a part in the person you most relate to today?
• Reflect on how Jesus has forgiven you for much. Is there someone in your life you’re being called to forgive and love better? If so, what can you do today to make a concrete step toward that end?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:7-8, 9, 10
Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

Reflection by Julie G.