Who is this who even forgives sins?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:36-50*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28*

*“Who is this who even forgives sins?”*

*1) Who is this person?*

In the Gospel of the day, we have  this particular question, which speaks about the identity of Jesus 

This question can't be answered with one word. 

There are number of people appear in today's Gospel scene. Each one sees Jesus in diffent ways 

Let's try to analyse each one of them 

*2) Jesus and Simon the Pharisee*

Simon the Pharisee considered Jesus as one of the great prophets. 

But when the sinful woman came and touched the feet of Jesus, he changed his perspective about Jesus 

He said *If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”*

Simon the Pharisees Jesus could not talk to sinners, could not aporach the sinners and the sinners could not touch Jesus 

*3) Jesus and the Sinful Woman*

To the Sinful woman, Jesus was the merciful friend, who understands her inner being 

To the sinful woman Jesus is the one who forgives her sins, gives her new life and he is the real saviour 

To the sinful woman Jesus is the friend of sinners and gives new life if one really repents his/her sins 

*4) Jesus and the debtors*

There are two debtors in today's Gospel scene

Both were not able to pay back what was due. That's why they ask for the generosity of the Master

So Jesus or the Master is the one who shows the generosity, when the servants are in difficulty 

In turn the debtors are able to love the master in a sincere way for his generosity

*5) Jesus and others at the table?*

These people asked one question *Who is this who even forgives sins?”*

Among them some might have doubted saying only God can forgive sin. Jesus can't forgive sins 

Others might have been surprised to hear the words *Your sins are forgiven*

A few might have been happy that finally there is one who can forgive sins 

So, to the crowds Jesus is the one who has the capacity to forgive sins, to  others he can't forgive sins

*6) Jesus and Me*

The same question is before me

Who is Jesus for me? What is my answer? 

One who forgives sins 

One who loves 

One who protects 

One who is merciful

One who is the best friend 

One who is the savior

One who is the good shepherd

One who will punish me

One who will scold me

One who will judge me

One who will question me 

One who is curtailing my freedom

*Who is Jesus for me?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*