By: Rev. Doug Miner - Christ Lutheran Church, Kipling and Grace Canadian Lutheran Church, Broadview

Please read: Luke 7:36 - 8:3

I find it quite fitting that we experience this reading now while Father’s Day is approaching. As a father myself with two incredible children I can easily relate to the humility expressed by this woman as she knelt at the feet of Jesus washing his feet with her tears. As I reflect on my many sins, things I did and didn’t do with my children, things I said and didn’t say to them, I too find myself at the feet of Jesus asking for forgiveness.

The world we live in tells us things like; “Really show Dad how much you love him with this cordless drill for only $19.95.” I feel sorrow for the child or the family that would scrape together $19.95 to buy a drill that will probably only last six months. Especially when the greatest gift a father could receive is that eyes wide open stare that comes with the words “I love you Dad.”

It is of course possible that you are receiving a $9.95 cordless drill because the family finds it easier that saying “I love you.” This being the case then the best thing you could hear is “Dad, you’ve really messed up this past year, but I forgive you, and I love you, and I’m hoping and praying that God will help you be a better father in the future.” As a father, a mother, or a child, the greatest love we could show our children and our families is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4 “4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.” However, in reality, we really do fail to love in such a way; something we will just have to live with. But, if in our lifetime, as a father, mother, or child, we can be faithful to who we are, created in the image of God, and accept God’s unconditional love for us in Christ Jesus, then our response (like that of the woman at Jesus’ feet) will be demonstrated in the humility to confess our sins to our families, and in a fervent faith in God to help, forgive and to bless. Then, we may someday become the unworthy recipients of the very precious gift of the genuine love of our family. Through our family then we will once again experience the undeserved love of God and know what it means to be saved by grace through faith. God bless your journey!