To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com

How can I forget something that's happened to me?" But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. See, you have to intentionally disregard your past so that it doesn't keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don't let go of the old, we'll never be able to embrace the new.

Memorial of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Psalm 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28

L uke 7:36-50 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table. (37) And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, (38) and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment (39) Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." (40) And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?" (41) "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. (42) When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?" (43) Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." (44) Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. (45) You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. (46) You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. (47) Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." (48) And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." (49) Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" (50) And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Meditation by Jeanne Schuler

Loved Free At Last

T he woman was not invited to the dinner. A known sinner, she was shunned by the upright. But she comes anyway and tenderly cares for the one who sets her free.

Simon is troubled by the presence of the woman. He worked hard to be observant and pure. Avoiding the stain of sin meant avoiding those who are unclean.  To be touched by such a woman brings shame. After all, we take our measure from both the company and distance we keep. The righteous must rise above the wicked.  Without this elevation, what’s it all for?

Sometimes our efforts get in the way. Trying hard to stand on our own, we lose touch with the goodness supporting us all around.  According to one plan, we can forgive ourselves and set things right.  But the sadness grows. One life is more than anyone can manage alone. Wisely, God sets forth another plan. 

We are loved into existence. From tears of joy, our goodness can flow.

Supplementary Reading

Forget What Lies Behind

…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind straining toward what is ahead - Philippians 3:13

A re you determined to forget what lies behind? I know many people don't fully understand what it means to forget the past. They wonder, "How can I forget something that's happened to me?" But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. See, you have to intentionally disregard your past so that it doesn't keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don't let go of the old, we'll never be able to embrace the new.

Remember, it doesn't matter what's happened in your history, it's time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to press forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He's working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you intentionally disregard what lies behind and press forward, I believe God will pour out His favor, grace and blessing upon you and lead you into the abundance He has prepared for you.

Father in heaven, I choose to forget the past today. I don't want anything to hold me back from the future You have prepared for me. I choose forgiveness and ask that You help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen. – Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com