The Spirit you have is not a spirit of timidity

1 Tim. 4:12-16, Lk. 7:36-50. In today's first reading, Paul reflects on the expected qualities of the Church leaders. He encourages young Timothy, who felt so timid in offering guidance to others to be courageous of the gift of God. He assures the younger man of his genuine talents, appreciates his high ideals and assures him of his ability to teach, preach and lead the community in prayer. Paul puts it foreword that all authority of the Church is under the ideals of the Gospel, with encouragement and esteem for the young, with concern for the repentant, but reminding the proud and self-righteous of the centrality of God’s love. In today's Gospel, Jesus also reminds the Pharisees who looked down on the woman that pours expensive perfume over His feet and wiped it dry with her tears and hair.

The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law often insisted on their superior position and piety as compared to others, when in reality they were still struggling with sin. The woman is an example to true followers of Jesus. Like her, we have received graces and “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Like her, this sense of having been abundantly gifted with grace moves us to do something in return. We are inspired to serve Him as He has served us. The woman in the house of the Pharisee shows us how to receive from the Lord and how to love Him in return. However, the stubbornness in our hearts and minds, our ego and pride close the doors of our hearts to the truth and this causes us to continue to live in sin and refusing God’s forgiveness.

May the Lord grant us a lively faith animated by charity! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!