Clearly, the very first thing that needs to be shared with the whole community is a HUGE, “THANK YOU!” for all who worked so very hard for the incredible success of our FIESTAS 2016. Mil Gracias! Having now experienced my first FIESTAS here, I can honestly say I was (and continue to be) truly humbled by all that went into making this not just a financial success but also a success that was spiritual and reflected the great hospitality that is the best of the San Felipe Community. We will be having a meeting in the next few weeks to debrief the whole of the weekend. We also look forward to the planning of next year’s celebration. As we do all the final counts, we hope to be able to present a complete report to the community on all that was realized in this most celebratory time. Again, “Thanks!” to all.
This week’s gospel is one that is truly a blessing for us to consider as we moving into the bulk of this Ordinary Time for the rest of our liturgical year. Jesus is in the home of a Pharisee and is attended to by a “sinful” woman who anoints him with ointment AND her tears. Jesus uses this moment to share a teaching of mercy, compassion and example of how it is we ought to treat one another. The questions we must address are, “Are we more like the Pharisee?” Or, “Are we more like the woman who asks nothing of Jesus but receives the wonderful gift of forgiveness?”
This week, perhaps it might be a good time to consider how it is we might desire to seek and/or give forgiveness as shown to us here in this gospel. Furthermore, the holy women of this gospel, the unnamed woman, as well as Mary called Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna continue to be held up as inspirations of grace and holiness. If we can live up to their example, then we are doing what God asks of ALL the people who are God’s children. Perhaps we can pray about that this week and see what fruit comes from that contemplation.