A TALE OF TWO SINNERS
"That is why her many sins are forgiven – because of her great love." –Luke 7:47
The penitent woman owed a larger debt to God (Lk 7:43); she had committed "many sins" (Lk 7:47). Jesus "wrote off" her huge debt of sin; He forgave it all (Lk 7:42, 48). The woman's response to being forgiven was a model for us all. She reformed her life, accepted the gift of saving faith (Lk 7:50), came directly to Jesus, and showered Him with love (Lk 7:45).
Jesus told a story about another grievous sinner who owed a "huge amount" of debt to the Lord because of all his sins (Mt 18:24). Again, God mercifully forgave this man completely and "wrote off the debt" of his sins (Mt 18:27). Here the similarity between these two great sinners stops. The man seemingly forgot all about the forgiveness he had received and "went out" (Mt 18:28) to resume his lifestyle of sin. He was handed over to be tortured (Mt 18:34).
Jesus "wrote off both debts. Which of them was more grateful to Him?" (Lk 7:42) How will you respond to Jesus and the forgiveness He has for you?
PRAYER: Father, may my heart overflow "in much gratitude to" You (2 Cor 9:12). I give You my life out of love for You.
PROMISE: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it." –Ps 111:10
PRAISE: Some of the Korean Martyrs were new Christians, even catechumens. They proved the depth of their faith in Jesus by dying for Him as martyrs.
"That is why her many sins are forgiven – because of her great love." –Luke 7:47
The penitent woman owed a larger debt to God (Lk 7:43); she had committed "many sins" (Lk 7:47). Jesus "wrote off" her huge debt of sin; He forgave it all (Lk 7:42, 48). The woman's response to being forgiven was a model for us all. She reformed her life, accepted the gift of saving faith (Lk 7:50), came directly to Jesus, and showered Him with love (Lk 7:45).
Jesus told a story about another grievous sinner who owed a "huge amount" of debt to the Lord because of all his sins (Mt 18:24). Again, God mercifully forgave this man completely and "wrote off the debt" of his sins (Mt 18:27). Here the similarity between these two great sinners stops. The man seemingly forgot all about the forgiveness he had received and "went out" (Mt 18:28) to resume his lifestyle of sin. He was handed over to be tortured (Mt 18:34).
Jesus "wrote off both debts. Which of them was more grateful to Him?" (Lk 7:42) How will you respond to Jesus and the forgiveness He has for you?
PRAYER: Father, may my heart overflow "in much gratitude to" You (2 Cor 9:12). I give You my life out of love for You.
PROMISE: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it." –Ps 111:10
PRAISE: Some of the Korean Martyrs were new Christians, even catechumens. They proved the depth of their faith in Jesus by dying for Him as martyrs.
MyCatholic Reflection
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