Much Given or Much Forgiven?

June 17, 2007

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Why have you spurned the Lord and done evil in his sight? 2 Samuel 12:9

So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Luke 7:47

Piety

Help us to choose rightly the path that leads to a close relationship with Jesus and the Church. Bless us with only the gifts that we need. Help us to give to others out of the resources that we are showered with from the goodness of God. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/061707.shtml

Let’s say you had a choice: Would you like to be granted either a rich, comfortable life with many worldly possessions or would you prefer to be a poor sinner who has had many sins forgiven by the Lord? Hint: the answer is not at the end.

If we are going to live for God and not for Madison Avenue or Wall Street or Wal*Mart, then we must examine our life and our action in light of our encounter with self, Jesus and the Church (others).

· What gifts has the Lord given to you?

· Despite these gifts, have you “spurned the Lord” and “done evil in his sight?”

· Have you sought reconciliation? How much has the Lord forgiven your sins?

· If you have reconciled your relationship with Jesus, then how are you living in relationship to your sisters and brothers? Are you living in conflict or in forgiveness thanks to the Lord’s reconciliation?

Those who have experienced forgiveness are the ones who have the greatest love to offer back. If much is given, then sometimes little love is passed on. Do you recall any time when you might have acted like the rich man in 2 Samuel 12 who killed the poor man’s ewe despite having a flock of his own to offer in hospitality? Instead, if much is forgiven, then much love is passed on.

Action

Today, Sunday, is Father’s Day. With what actions do you plan to mark this holiday?