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Why is it SO tough to extend the same unmerited grade, love, and foregiveness to others that Jesus extends to us? It isn’t that we humans don’t want to be generous with each other, at least in the context of our many communities. I think it has more to do with a combination of human brokenness and a culture of scarcity than it does with a lack of desire to lavish love on each other. Or could it be we are constantly yold that there are limited resources, and if we don’t “get ours first” there may not be enough to meet our needs? Jesus’s resources are unlimited.
While Jesus was having dinner at Simon’s house with some religious leaders, a woman in the city, described as a “sinner” courageously entered the house because she came with a purpose. She brought what she had, bearing an alabaster jar of precious ointment and then she made an unconventional act. She fell at Jesus’ feet, began bathing them with her tears, kissed them, anointed them, and dried them with her hair. Who among us would consider this too lavish a gift? This woman, whom others shunned represented her adoration for Jesus with extravagant, sacrificial worship and deep repentance. This story is a reminder that nothing is more important than honoring Jesus’ love and foregiveness by being lavishly loving and faithfully obedient to God. Despite our sinful human nature, our amazing Lord whispers to us as he did to this unnamed women, “Your sins are foregiven” (v. 48). Jesus offers grace, merciful foregiveness, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (v. 50). Yes. Go in peace. Obediently practice the love Jesus has already given. Share radical hospitality, give, forgive and foregiveness as he has enough for all.
Only when we break our jars can we realize the wholeness God offers in our relationship with him and with each other. Pour out the heaviness in your jars you carry, stop being hindered by the weight that so easily troubles you, empty it because you aren’t strong enough. Instead, allow Jesus to fill you with the possibility of healing and reconciliation. Yes. Go in peace as Jesus Christ loves you. Be filled with grateful love to Him who rescued you, despite your shortcomings. Jesus’ grace is available and unlimited.
Just as Jesus foregives the sinner, he expects us to be that agent of foregiveness by loving and forgiving others in his name. Your jar is ready to be broken, giving your whole heart and soul to God without holding anything back for yourself. Ask: Who might need that kind of love? And might that need be you? Give thanks to God for the grace, mercy, and foregiveness that Jesus so freely gives. Now go in peace because Jesus says, “Your faith has saved you.”
Amen.
Rev. Carole, Assistant Pastor
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