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Thursday, September 16, 2021

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Pope St. Cornelius
St. Cyprian


1 Timothy 4:12-16
Psalm 111:7-10
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 large 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:  St. Cornelius was persecuted for proclaiming the mercy and forgiveness of Christ to those who had fallen away, but later returned through repentance.

Reference:   (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching on Pride and Faith, order, listen to, or download our CD 64-1 or DVD 64 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 12, 2021"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.