Liberation

I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love. 

Lk.7:47

At a feast hosted by Simon the Pharisee Jesus is lavished with loving attention from a woman of "bad name". This offends Simon but Jesus challenges him, saying that this great demonstration of love shows the woman has been forgiven much. Jesus then turns attention back on Simon by adding, "It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love".

Demonstrated love shows outwardly the inner condition of the soul. A forgiven soul, knowing only too clearly its own brokenness, radiates great joy and love. It seems I can only be forgiven by first acknowledging my need of forgiveness. I need to be broken in order to be put back together rightly. Then my spontaneous reaction to received forgiveness will be joy and love.

Self righteousness places a barrier to this wonderful healing Jesus offers me. The Pharisee in me is very quick to compare myself superior to the broken people around me. Meanwhile, the broken people who are honest about their condition focus on Jesus, are liberated and express great joy and love.

I want to be a joyous, loving person. I want the Pharisee in me to die. It's time for me to acknowledge my own great need of forgiveness.

Jesus, forgive me my sins, my many sins, that I can be liberated to show great love.
Little Flower, please pray for me.