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11th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2013

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This week our theme is forgiveness, which we Catholics embrace as the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We open with a reading from the 2nd book of Samuel, in which we see King David, after having sinned against God, begs his forgiveness, which God eventually grants.  In our Gospel from Luke, we see Jesus dining with Simon, a Pharisee.  A sinful woman in the town, upon knowing where Jesus is dining, enters the gathering and anoints Jesus’ feet.  As usual, Jesus turns this into a catechetical moment, helping us to see the nature of sin and forgiveness, but that our faith in Jesus helps us attain salvation.

The Word for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time:
        2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13
        Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11
        Galatians 2:16, 19-21
        Luke 7:36-8:3

This idea of "faith in Jesus" as the one necessary element for justification is also explored in our 2nd reading from continuing journey through Paul’s letter to the Galatians.  Here Paul tells us that following the Law is not enough.. that this alone does not justify us.  Instead it is faith in Jesus, the Son of God, the Christ, that gives us justification.  For as Paul writes, “… for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”  This is one of the readings that help to fuel our constant debate of whether it is “faith” or “good works” that lead us to salvation.  As is typical of that dual nature of our Catholic sensibilities, it’s not either/or… it’s both/and.

You may also want to check out these supplemental readings;
Catholic Update
The Sacrament of Reconciliation:  Celebrating God’s Forgiveness
How to Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation Today
Ten Tips for Better Confessions:  The Gift of Reconciliation
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