Think Well of Yourself! ~ by Phyllis Booth

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time









The message in today's homily can be applied to each of the three readings. "Think well of yourself." This is important because Jesus came to save sinners and lead us to salvation.

In 2nd Samuel, Nathan's scolding of David was brought about because David had lost self-respect and love of self. He had become arrogant. He put his desires and love of power first. He no longer believed his Kingship was due to God's love and belief in him. But God's love for man forgave David and allowed him to live.

In Paul's message to the Galatians, he emphasized being true to one's self and not by works of the law. The laws of society can be deceiving and cause one to believe his/her actions are worthy of God's salvation. While in reality, he/she is self-centered and believes he/she is justified and perfect in God's eyes; but God's judgment is not the same as men's. God looks at our hearts, not our works.

The characters in Luke's Gospel today illustrated how our thoughts of self can impact our lives. Simon invites Jesus to his home and becomes disturbed when a woman he considered a sinner joined the occasion. Simon considered himself above the woman. The law condemned HER LIFESTYLE. Simon's guests had the same impression of her: that she was a sinner and Jesus couldn't be a prophet because he allowed her to touch him.

Jesus used a parable to teach Simon and his guests about forgiveness. Then he told Simon about his fault of not being hospitable according to the customs of that day. (Providing water so guests could wash their feet.) The woman, on the other hand, had followed the custom because she wanted forgiveness of her sins. She used this opportunity to seek Jesus' forgiveness. Deep down in her heart, she respected herself. Jesus granted her wish.

We must think well of ourselves even when certain circumstances, lifestyles and laws of society condemn us. We must cling to our aspirations and dreams. We must not succumb to the feelings of being unworthy of the good things of life. Christ came so we could have life in abundance. We are meant to have the best of life; not be the victims of abuse, alcoholism, health problems and homelessness. We must break free of these habits. Stop associating with those who have no aspirations or dreams. We must forgive ourselves and look back over our lives and ask God for wisdom and divine assistance.

Train our minds to love and accept God's forgiveness through prayer. Accept help from others. Learn to follow Jesus' example for living. We have only one life; live it well through family, friends and love of self and others. Strive for the best and greatest things of life: Love of God and self.