+(Intro) It is a Ferial day but I thought to say the prayers of the Mass of the Holy Spirit for all those gathered at the General Chapter. Many important decisions are made at this time of the Chapter. So as we begin, let us own our need for God’s continual grace in our own lives.
(After the gospel) Our gospel is one of the richest texts of the NT. We hear of the sinful woman and see in her a call to own the depth of our own sinfulness so as to become as loving as she was at the feet of Jesus, washing them with her tears and wiping them with our hair. The more we own our sinfulness, the more we will know Christ’s great love for us.
Our gospel is also an invitation, it seems to me, to be ever more grateful for the loving services shown to us each day. Whether in community or in family, the affection we show to one another, makes all the difference in the world.
We do not wash one another’s feet as we did in the past, but we do wash one another’s dirty dishes, dirty laundry on a regular basis. Meals are prepared for us and at each Eucharist we give one another the kiss of peace by one gesture or other. We have countless opportunities to show our love for others, allowing Christ’s loving presence to take place not only at this altar but all day long.
1Tim 4:12-16; Luke 7:36-50