Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Father Adonis Narcelles SVD – Berlin, Germany
Thursday 24th Week in Ordinary Time
One of the most challenging and rewarding ministries of a priest is hearing Confessions. Over the years, I have listened to the Confessions of elderly German women in nursing homes, the Pink Sisters in Berlin, Filipinos in various communities throughout Germany, and even fellow priests who came to me shortly after my ordination. Yet among the most touching experiences have been the First Confessions of children preparing for their First Holy Communion after a year of catechesis.
On one occasion, an eight-year-old boy approached me and said in German: “Father, could you please hear my confession? I would like to be free from a burden that still disturbs my soul.” Apparently, he had already confessed to another priest, yet something continued to trouble him. After hearing his confession and offering him God’s assurance of forgiveness, I noticed a glow in his eyes and a smile on his face. He walked away lighter, liberated, and at peace.
The anonymous sinful woman in today’s Gospel (Luke 7:36-50) did not say a word. She simply approached Jesus carrying her burden of guilt and sorrow. Like the alabaster jar pouring out precious ointment, she poured out her tears in sincere repentance. Her actions spoke more eloquently than words. Jesus saw beyond appearances and understood the language of her heart.
In contrast, the Pharisee saw only a sinner. Jesus, however, saw a woman longing for forgiveness and a new beginning. He used the occasion to teach a profound lesson about love and mercy:
“Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love” (Luke 7:47).
Indeed, forgiveness is the measure of love. The more we love someone, the more vulnerable we become to being hurt by that person. Yet love always keeps open the possibility of a new beginning. When we look beyond the offense and focus instead on the person, forgiveness can take root. To love often means learning to see beyond another’s sins and shortcomings.
Jesus once again reveals His compassionate heart. While others were ready to condemn, He chose to heal. This is consistent with His entire ministry. He welcomed tax collectors (Luke 19:1-10), spoke kindly to the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26), and forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He looked at people not through the lens of judgment but through the eyes of mercy.
I recall another child who came to me for First Confession. After confessing his sins, he innocently asked:
“Father, why is it that during Confession I mention only my sins and bad attitudes? Can’t I also tell God about the good things I have done for others?”
His question contained a beautiful insight. The child already understood that God sees the whole person, not merely the faults. Confession helps us acknowledge our sins, but God’s gaze always embraces both our weakness and our goodness. He sees not only what we have done wrong but what, by His grace, we can become.
Perhaps that is why Jesus could see a saint where others saw only a sinner.
The Gospel invites us to do the same. Instead of quickly labeling people according to their failures, we are called to see them through the eyes of Christ. Mercy does not ignore sin; rather, it recognizes that God’s grace is greater than sin. As St. Paul reminds us:
“Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Romans 5:20).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us to see others as You see them. Free us from the temptation to judge and help us to recognize the goodness, the struggles, and the hopes hidden in every human heart. May we become instruments of Your forgiveness and mercy, so that those burdened by guilt may discover the freedom, peace, and joy that come from Your loving embrace. Amen.
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