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Thursday, September 19, 2002

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St. Januarius


1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 118
Luke 7:36-50

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a tale of two sinners

"I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love." —Luke 7:47, RNAB

 The penitent woman owed a "larger debt" to God (Lk 7:43); she had committed "many sins" (Lk 7:47). Jesus "wrote off" her huge debt of sin; He forgave them all (Lk 7:42, 48). The woman's response to being forgiven was a model for us all. She reformed her life, accepted the gift of saving faith (Lk 7:50), came directly to Jesus, and showered Him with love (Lk 7:45).

Jesus told a story about another grievous sinner who owed a "huge amount" of debt to the Lord because of all his sins (Mt 18:24). Again, God mercifully forgave this man completely and "wrote off the debt" of his sins (Mt 18:27). Here the similarity between these two great sinners stops. The man seemingly forgot all about the forgiveness he had received and "went out" (Mt 18:28) to resume his lifestyle of sin. He was handed over to be tortured (Mt 18:34).

Jesus "wrote off both debts. Which of them was more grateful to Him?" (Lk 7:42) How will you respond to Jesus and the forgiveness He has for you?

Prayer:  Father, may my heart overflow "in much gratitude to" You (2 Cor 9:12). I give You my life out of love for You.

Promise:  "I handed on to you first of all what I myself received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried and, in accordance with the Scriptures, rose on the third day." —1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Praise:  St. Januarius, a bishop, risked his life to visit and comfort two of his deacons who had been imprisoned for their faith. He was captured, imprisoned, and martyred with his companions.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.) (For a related teaching, order our tape on Pride and Faith on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002