DRAMATIC GRACE
What do you believe is necessary for forgiveness?
Is there a contrast between what you are socialized to believe and the scriptures today?
In our first reading, Nathan, on behalf of God, gives this powerful, guilt-inspiring list of everything that has been done for David, and then asks why has God been rejected? Then David, repents. Then God forgives and says David will not die. Notice he did not say there would not be consequences. . .
Then we have the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet – other Gospels say this is Mary Magdalene, but Luke does not.
What is it that she does that is so compelling to Jesus? Anointing with anointment? Wiping his Feet? No, it is her tears. Tears that illustrate great love.
And so I ask again, what do you believe is necessary for forgiveness? Our second reading from Galatians answers this directly: we must first receive the grace of God and then live accordingly – according to the law that God has given us.
CLICK HERE for the readings for 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time (2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:16, 19-21; Luke 7:36-8:3)