September 19, 2024 Reflection – Stop and look within yourselves…
Stop and look within yourselves… September 19, 2024 St. Januarius Dear Family of Mary! In the Gospel for today, Jesus gives a lesson in forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50). There are two people in the story, a Pharisee and a sinful woman. The Pharisee has everything going for him. Prestige, power, and probably money. The woman has only her bad reputation. She has nothing to stand on in society. But we know the story, the woman enters the home of the Pharisee uninvited! She bows at Jesus’ feet, washing them with an expensive ointment mixed with her tears. The Pharisee objects! How can Jesus let her touch him, much less make such a fuss? Jesus answers with a deep lesson: “When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:44-47) Jesus’ presence brings out the truth. The woman knew she was nothing, her life, a shame. But she knew Jesus could forgive her. The Pharisee had everything he could want, but did not have self-knowledge. He did not see his own sinfulness. And therefore he could not be forgiven. It is essential to have self-knowledge, to see our sins and own them. There is no way to hide them from God. But in honesty we can bring them to the Lord and be made free!! Our Lady calls us: November 2, 2010 “Dear children; With motherly perseverance and love I am bringing you the light of life to destroy the darkness of death in you. Do not reject me, my children. Stop and look within yourselves and see how sinful you are. Be aware of your sins and pray for forgiveness. My children, you do not desire to accept that you are weak and little, but you can be strong and great by doing God’s will. Give me your cleansed hearts that I may illuminate them with the light of life, my Son. Thank you.” Mother Mary wants us to be free!! She wants us to look honestly at ourselves, own our sins, and take them to Jesus in Confession. It is the only way to peace, healing, and joy! What is there to fear?? Jesus knows our sins already!! Confess and be free!!! Thank you, dearest Mother, for bringing us to your Son, to be healed! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan Mary TV