In the Gospel today, Simon the Pharisee is resentful of the “sinful” woman who is annointing and kissing the feet of Jesus. Jesus teaches Simon a lesson in forgiveness: “The greater the sin forgiven, the greater the love expressed. Jesus invites us to cancel debts and forgive those who have trespassed against us. Yet our wounds may be deep. Forgiveness may seem unthinkable. We have gone to war to avenge 9/11, and personal hurt can easily define our very existence. But if we do not forgive, then how can we say the Lord’s Prayer and truly mean it?
Deacon Dick Folger