Judgment and condemnation are too often hasty reactions to other people’s behavior that we find objectionable. Often, without knowing all the facts, we assume the worst about another and are quick to evaluate their merit. Such a reaction is not what Jesus ever did, nor what He taught us to do.

In today’s Gospel reading, a very inattentive Pharisee neglects to welcome and honor Jesus after inviting him into his home. An unexpected woman enters the same house and bathes Jesus’ feet with her tears of love. She tenderly dries them with her hair, unreservedly kisses his feet, and devotedly anoints them with ointment. Instead of showing the same veneration, the Pharisee questions why Jesus would permit such contact from such a sinful woman. Jesus, in turn, doesn’t ask his host how he knows of the woman’s sinfulness, but responds with a lesson about mercy, forgiveness, and love. Unlike the Pharisee’s skepticism, the woman’s belief and trust in the Lord is spontaneous and genuine. Jesus responds to her: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

At every Eucharistic celebration we acknowledge that we are not worthy that our Lord enter under our roofs and our faith allows us to believe that he only needs to say the word, and our souls shall be healed. We are not judged nor condemned. We are welcomed and loved. We are renewed. Our Lord’s mercy and forgiveness give us his peace. May we humbly accept our Savior’s unconditional love into our lives and then freely share it with all.

Let Us Pray:

May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. (Prayer after Communion)