From The Bishop

In both the Gospel and First Reading for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time we see the unique relationship that exists between love and forgiveness. In the Gospel of St. Luke Jesus encounters a woman who bathes his feet with her tears and kisses. This is an act of profound love and repentance. In response to her actions Jesus states, “Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.â€� Jesus links love and forgiveness in an interesting way. He says that the more you recognize your sins and receive forgiveness, the greater your love; to some this seems counter intuitive. The prevailing thought of the day would say that the less you look at your faults and weaknesses the more you will be able to love yourself and others. This is not the teaching of Jesus as he states, “But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.â€� We see an example of what Jesus means in the First Reading. The prophet Nathan confronts David because of his relations with Bathsheba and his order to have Uriah the Hittite killed in battle. David’s response is not denial; he states, “I have sinned against the Lord. In acknowledging his sin David was now open to receiving God’s love and mercy. In denying sin, there is despair; in admitting sin, there is hope. This is a message that the world needs to hear today. Let us help our people make an act of love by acknowledging their sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this way we put the sacrament in a positive light â€" it is all about love and mercy.