Today's Gospel: Luke 7:36-50 Jesus calls the Pharisee out, not simply for casting judgment on the woman who washed Jesus' feet, but for what the Pharisee himself had failed to do. The subtext here is that the Pharisee should have known better. He would have been well aware of the obligations of hospitality. Though he invited Jesus to dine at his house, he did not treat Him with the usual respect accorded a guest. And then the Pharisee dared to express his anger at the woman -- the public sinner -- who crashed the party and ministered to Jesus' needs as the host should have done. She made the Pharisee look bad, on top of everything else. Jesus asserts that the woman's sins had been forgiven because of her faith, and that the love she showed was born in gratitude for the great forgiveness she was shown. It's not about showing off; it's about showing love.

Ponder:

How will I go out of my way to show love to God and others today?

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for the love and forgiveness You have shown me. Help me today and always to act out of love, not out of a desire for recognition.
Copyright 2019 Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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About the Author

Barb Szyszkiewicz

Barb Szyszkiewicz

Barb Szyszkiewicz, senior editor at CatholicMom.com, is a wife, mom of 3 young adults, and a Secular Franciscan. Barb enjoys writing, cooking, and reading, and is a music minister at her parish. Find her blog at FranciscanMom and her family’s favorite recipes with nutrition information at Cook and Count. Barb is the author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer and The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, available from Our Sunday Visitor.