And turning toward the woman, Jesus said to Simon,
“Do you see this woman?
You gave me no water for my feet when I entered your house;
but she has washed my feet with her tears
and dried them with her hair.
You didn’t welcome me with a kiss;
but she has not stopped kissing my feet since she came in.
You provided no oil for my head;
but she has poured perfume on my feet.
This is why, I tell you, her sins, her many sins,
are forgiven, because of her great love.
But the one who is forgiven little, has little love.”
Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
---- mine,
Do not be troubled or berate yourself that you are weak, frail, filled with concupiscence, and fall several times a day. You are of the flesh, and you will fall. The important thing is to recognize that you are a sinner, and do not convince yourself that you are better than you actually are. All have sinned and have fallen short of My commandments. It is the nature of human beings to err over and over again due to the first sin. However, to recognize that you have sinned, to be humble, confess with a contrite heart and a broken spirit, that is what is required and necessary. When you fall, do not wallow in the muck but beg forgiveness, ask for mercy, rise up and return to Me, and I will forgive you. Even though your sins are as scarlet, I will wash them away and restore your soul. This unnamed woman in the Gospel will be remembered until the end of time, even though she was a great sinner, a public sinner, and a notorious sinner. The whole town knew her, and the hypocrites despised her, believing themselves to be better than she was because they prided themselves on not being like her. They ostracised her in the daylight while many of them went to her under the cover of the dark. Because their sins were hidden, or so they believed, they were able to condemn her in the broad light of day. But I see all, I know all, I know the hearts of all men, and I know your heart as well. As long as you are sorry for your sins, ---- my own, and resolve with the help of My grace to sin no more, I will forgive you and restore your soul in peace and tranquility. Be alert, when you are tempted, cry out for help, pray constantly, and rely on Me, not on yourself, to overcome sin and temptations. And should you fall, that is ok as well - do not continue in sin but ask for help and forgiveness. I will hasten to help you, raise you up, and restore your soul. I AM the God who saves, forgives, and redeems. Keep striving with My help to be holy and perfect as your Father in heaven is holy and perfect. Love much both your God and neighbor, and you will overcome your inherent weaknesses and grow in virtue.
