Luke 7.36 – 8.3, Pentecost 2C,
Theme: Renewal
Have you ever admitted to committing a sin?
Do you know what a sin is?
So, here is a definition I’ve found helpful. A Christian theologian by the name of Paul Tillich in his three-volume work called Systematic Theology wrote: “A sin is any act which usurps God.” Since he taught “God is the ground of all being,” his statement means a sin is any act which distances one from God.
Dr. Tillich drew from Jesus’s teaching where Jesus said:
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matt. 5:23-24.
He would say if you find yourself estranged from another person, you need to “make things right.” He goes on in his writings to imply that this estrangement can be behavior which causes harm to self.
So how does one make things right with – well everything?
In the text we will be focusing on in worship this Sunday, we find a woman (who is not named) who makes a spectacle of herself at a special occasion hosted by a dignified and wealthy man. She comes into the room to wash Jesus’ feet. This is nothing unusual. But she uses expensive aromatic oils to do it. That probably began to draw people’s attention. Then she begins to weep.
Jesus becomes aware this woman has come to her because he is a rabbi. She has apparently committed a sin and is seeking forgiveness. In her distraught state, she has started crying. Jesus understands that: 1) The woman has recognized her sin. 2) She seeks forgiveness. 3) As penance, she has purchased an expensive oil to wash the teacher’s feet. And 4) She openly confesses her wrong (even though we the reader are not informed what it was).
Jesus forgives her. Once forgiven, she is free from the terrible guilt which was obviously causing her great distress. She is given new life – reborn.
The author of Luke wants the reader to take note of this event. He wants us to know how we can approach Jesus with our confession of sin. He wants us to know that even in the most awkward times Jesus will hear us.
Wow!
Worship with us in person at 10:30 AM as we will be meditating on as we learn to recognize our sin, and approach Jesus for forgiveness. The service will also be streamed live on the internet -- (https://fccmaryvillemo.com) or on the church’s home Facebook page. If you miss the live stream, a recorded session is also available to view at your convenience. Want to make a comment on my blog? Click on https://fccmaryvillemosanc.wixsite.com/ftdo.
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