The readings today all emphasize that forgiveness leads us out of the cages that hold us captive.  Cages of persistent pride, relentless resentment, boulder-sized shoulder grudges, anger, jealousy, or greed  At certain times in our lives we are thrown into these cages by the actions of another.  It is more often the case that we fashion and form our prison by my our choosing.  Rather than acknowledging ourselves as sinners who are loved by God, we can belittle ourselves as simply sinners…period.

In today’s Gospel reading, a woman is standing before Jesus who has just washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them and anointed them with oil.  At the same time, a pharisaic host is overheard talking under his breath about this woman’s sin in such a way that must have been judgemental and condemning based on Jesus’ response in the form of a story about forgiveness and love.  While this woman’s silent actions show her desire to draw close to Jesus’ love and freedom, the host’s cutting comment shows his inability to look beyond sin and judgement.

As we move deeper into this Year of Mercy as a church family, let us continue to support one another in taking steps toward freedom – freedom from sin and separation and freedom for God’s love and forgiveness.