by Renae Bauer
A friend recently commented that men aren't inclined to apologize. Maybe, maybe not. I tend to think our culture frowns upon people who apologize. We perceive them as weak.
Is there a connection between the ability to apologize and "self-righteousness," a subject in this week's Gospel? I think so. When I grasp my imperfections, I understand that I can and do make mistakes; I can and do hurt others. But I can try to repair the hurt by offering a sincere apology.
So what does this mean in terms of my relationship with God? Sunday's Gospel presents two people who react differently to Jesus. The Pharisee (a strict observer of Jewish law) invites Jesus to a lavish banquet but doesn't demonstrate much love. But the sinful woman lavishes love on Jesus by washing his feet with her tears. Jesus tells the Pharisee, "Her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
Jesus says there is a connection between forgiveness and love. The woman loves God so much she begs for forgiveness; when she is, she is so overjoyed that she serves Jesus by washing his feet.
What a paradigm: Through our love of God we are forgiven; through His forgiveness we love others. Something to think about or practice this Father's Day.
chapter 20,
US Catholic Catechism for Adults
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
The call to priesthood is a gift - a vocation - an invitation from the Lord. Holy Orders is a "sacrament of service" as is the sacrament of Marriage. Through Holy Orders, men are called to serve God, the Church and all the faithful.
"In the service and person of the ordained minister, Christ himself is present to the Church. The priestly ministry reaches its summit in the priests' celebration of the Eucharist, the source and center of the Church's unity ... the sacrament of Holy Orders is a distinct participation in Christ's mission where the task of the ordained minister is to serve in the name and person of Christ." (CCC 1591)
We are encouraged to pray daily that more men respond to God's call to ordained ministry in the Church.