19 September 2019
Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus tells the woman “your faith has saved you” (Lk. 7:50). Faith in what, exactly? In Jesus, broadly, but more particularly, in His mercy. She knew that she could call upon Jesus in her sinfulness, and that He would respond. Simon the Pharisee believed in Jesus to some degree, and was apparently quite open to what Jesus had to say. But unlike the woman, he saw no need to ask Jesus for mercy, and no expectation that the mercy he needed would be given by Jesus. The woman surely knew that she was in need of Christ’s mercy, and likely knew He had given this mercy to others. Thus, with faith in His mercy, she sought out Jesus.
If we are to know the peace of Christ, we must seek His mercy, and we must have faith in His mercy. Reflecting on our sins, as the woman did, will hopefully make us aware of how much we need the mercy of Christ. If you reflect on your life and do not see your sins, reflect again. Then we must go to Christ. Recall the great stories of those who have sought His mercy and received it: Augustine, Ignatius, and so many others. Know that this mercy can be yours. Have faith in Christ’s mercy, seek His mercy, and know His peace.