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Thursday, September 20, 2007

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St. Andrew Kim Taegon,
St. Paul Chong Hasang,
& the Korean Martyrs


1 Timothy 4:12-16
Psalm 111
Luke 7:36-50

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a tale of two sinners

"That is why her many sins are forgiven — because of her great love." —Luke 7:47

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 it 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:  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are all who live by it." —Ps 111:10

Praise:  Some of the Korean Martyrs were new Christians, even catechumens. They proved the depth of their faith in Jesus by dying for Him as martyrs.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007

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