Thursday, September 17, 2026

Today’s Gospel presents a powerful encounter between Jesus and a woman who approaches Him with repentance, humility and love. Although others see her past and judge her as a sinner, Jesus sees her faith and welcomes her with mercy. Her tears become an expression of repentance, while her love reveals a heart that has experienced forgiveness. The first reading reminds us that the Gospel is at the centre of our Christian faith: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead. This is the foundation of our hope and salvation. Today, we are invited to bring our weaknesses and failures before Christ with confidence. God’s mercy is greater than our past. At the same time, those who have received God's mercy are called to show compassion and forgiveness to others. May we never allow judgment to prevent us from seeing the dignity and possibility of transformation in another person. Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us humble and repentant hearts. Help us to trust in your mercy, to receive your forgiveness, and to extend that same mercy to those around us. Strengthen our faith in your death and resurrection and guide us to live each day in your love. Amen.