The sermon begins with the Gospel story from Luke about Jesus dining at Simon the Pharisee’s house. A sinful woman enters, washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair in repentance, showing deep love and humility. Simon, the Pharisee, internally disdains her and questions Jesus’ prophetic insight, doubting why He allows this woman to touch Him. Jesus defends the woman, emphasizing her sincere love and repentance, contrasting it with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness and lack of mercy. The woman is seen as entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of the Pharisee because of her humility and love.
Here, Fr. Matthias explains the nature of love springing from forgiveness. The woman’s deep awareness of her sinfulness and unworthiness led her to repent with tears and love. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual life and love for God arise from a deep and honest awareness of our sinfulness and the overwhelming forgiveness offered by Christ.
Listen to this sermon to understand the true repentance, love, and worship that go beyond mere religious formality.