Love the Sinner (Lk 7:43-44) by Scott Casmer

17 Sep Love the Sinner (Lk 7:43-44) by Scott Casmer

“Simon said in reply, ‘The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.’ He said to him, “You have judged rightly.’ Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? 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.'” ~ Lk 7:43-44 (full readings)
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Scott’s Reflections:  Today’s full Gospel reading, Lk 7:36-50, tells a story that would have been unimaginable at the time.  A woman outcast for being a known sinner walks into the house of a Pharisee to wash the feet of Jesus with tears and dry them with her hair.  When the Pharisee expresses disdain for her, Jesus fully defends her presence and praises her humble, sincere actions.  He explains that she has received the gift of forgiveness and demonstrated immense love.  As this devotion was being written, the news of Pope Francis’ fresh view on post-abortion women broke.  Much like Jesus, Pope Francis has offered a way for the Church to show love and forgive the sinner.  As a Pro-Life community, we should remind ourselves to do the same as we seek to end the sin of abortion.
* Scott Casmer was part of the original fellowship group that led to the formation of the LIFE Runners and is currently the Colorado Springs LIFE Runners chapter leader.  Scott works at Schriever AFB and is married with two daughters..

Faith Challenge:   Identify somebody in your life who is struggling with sin (as we all are) and pray for both forgiveness of the sinner and removal of the temptation to sin.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Robert Bellarmine
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Faith Quote:  “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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Through Christ our Lord,
Scott
Psalm 138:3